Briefs on Ethiopian Green Economy, Inflation & Occupational Safety

Before jumping onto the briefs let me reflect on the Ethiopian Business Review magazine itself. This is my third consecutive EBR print magazine that I have read, and before reflecting on few very important and timely articles in it, and before I branch of to explore the Amharic magazines and news papers, let me say that I like this magazine. I think it is one of the informative English magazines around here that attempts to really stay on topic (business subject in this case) and tries to give its readers something to chew on, just as its slogan goes “depth to your thought”. However, when I finish reading it, I always feel I just started and it is finished. It feels, you just had a taste of things on the surface level, but that is it. So I started to think why do I get that feeling and sought to compare its contents to some other magazines lingering around the living room.

The answer, perhaps, it has to do because I am used to American magazines and no doubt the US magazines have much more content, depth and quantity. The Ethiopian magazines seem to be relatively on the same level with each other, about the same amount of pages and allocate about equal proportion of pages for ads. I don’t want to be seen as if I am trying to compare an infant with a globally acclaimed one, but to give a basic reference point, the Economist on average has about 100 pages and averages about 100 articles, while EBR for example has about 55 pages and has only 14 articles. I think adding more articles and being a bit more concise on many of the articles would be great (at least for my taste).

With that being said, here are few briefs for your curious mind. Very soon my reflection of an article by Nobel Laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz Ph.D Ph.D.’s advice to African countries and another article about how long before the Ethiopian financial market is liberalize will follow.

Briefing the Brief

Ethiopian Green Economy. As Africa’s first carbon finance project Ethiopia’s own Humbo Community Based Forest Management project in Wolayta Sodo of the SNNPR got $34,000 from the World Bank in 2012. The Bank also committed to provide a total of $726,000 in the next 10 years. The already under construction Ethiopian National Railway Network will be the second project; aiming to be an all carbon free with a goal of securing $1 billion of the $5.9 billion (~17%) budgeted expense from carbon finance trading.

Ethiopia inflation, from 2006 - 2013 the average inflation was 21.07%; since then, it has shown a consistent gradual decline. It reached its lowest of only 6.1% in May 2013; slightly rising again to 8% for this past August 2013. Economists say the main source of the inflation is due to the unconstrained investment in the public sector (also estimated to be responsible for the country’s 2/3 of economic growth). According to the World Bank, public investment in Ethiopia is ranked 3^rd highest in the world as per percent of GDP. Yet, its private investment is ranked 6^th lowest in the world. Many of Ethiopians think the value of their currency the Ethiopian Birr is too low, as one blatantly complained, “the Birr is worthless”. I have been wondering if there is any economic research done to learn whether such perception in the public’s mind has its own psychological effect of encouraging people to spend rather than save. Because, people seem to spend and give little attention to the months ahead of them.

EBR’s Addisu Deresse writes, in Ethiopia there is high rate of occupational injuries, because the lack of adequate workplace safety training and the lack of enforcement for existing laws. The law on paper and the reality on the ground don’t match. For instance, according to the Ethiopian Labor Proclamation, if an employee is injured on the job and is not able to work, the employer must compensate the employee for 1year, at the rate of 100% of the employee’s wage for the first 3 months, 75% for the next 3 months and at least 50% of the employees wage for the remaining 6 months. Unfortunately, the awareness level is so low that not many employees are able to realize these and other similar employee benefits and rights. It seems there is a steep hill for all stakeholders to climb.

Cheers,

Daniel

Meskel (Finding of the True Cross)

Why do Ethiopian's celebrate Meskel? Watching Ethiopia's Meskel Demera on TV always felt great; but there is nothing like experiencing it in person. Ethiopia and its centuries old rich traditions and cultures...ah man inde Ethiopia. Enjoy the short yet amazing video and pictures that I was able to capture with my smart phone. It is very exciting to hear that his holiness Abune Mathias Patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church saying ongoing efforts are underway to have the Meskel holiday inscribed by UNESCO in the near future. 

The video below is slideshow of few pictures that I took with my smartphone. This one is specially dedicated to those who couldn't be there in person. Kebahir mado lalachu wegenoche. Enjoy. 

What is Meskel? Here is a short informative introduction about the Ethiopian Holiday Meskel copied from Ethiopian Treasures. Meskel is celebrated by dancing, feasting and lighting a massive bonfire known in Ethiopian tradition as "Demera". Meskel commemorates the finding of the True Cross in the fourth century when Empress Helena, mother of Constantine the Great, discovered the True Cross on which Christ was crucified. The feast is celebrated in Ethiopia on September 17 Ethiopian calendar (September 27 Gregorian calendar), 6 months after the discovery of the True Cross. The celebration of Meskel signifies the presence of the True Cross at mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery and also symbolizes the events carried out by Empress Helena.

According to tradition, Empress Helena lit incense and prayed for assistance to guide her. The smoke drifted towards the direction of the buried cross. She dug and found three crosses; one of them was the True Cross used to crucify Jesus Christ. Empress Helena then gave a piece of the True Cross to all churches, including the Ethiopian Church. This piece was then brought to Ethiopia. According to the Ethiopian legend, when people get close to the piece of the True Cross it made them naked by its powerful light. Because of this, a decision was made to bury it at the mountain of Gishen Mariam monastery in Wollo region. The monastery of Gishen Mariam holds a volume of a book which records the story of the True Cross of Christ and how it was acquired.

Cheers,
Daniel 

Ethiopian Economy’s Bottleneck

Daniel’s Reflection on ‘Logistics Deficit: A critical Challenge for the country’s competitiveness’ By Berihun Mekonnen

This is part II to my previous post titled Ethiopian Business Review (Part I). Taking 8 pages of the  Ethiopian
Business Review’s (EBR) magazine, Senior Editor Berihun Mekonnen, dives in to explore logistics challenges in Ethiopia. Including an interview with Akakas Logistics PLC’s Director of Transit, Shipping and Transport Kassahun Abberu (PhD). Out of the many, here are few of the points.

• According to the World Bank, in the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) aka high income developed countries it takes 10 days to import and export, 31 and 37 days in Sub-Sahara countries to import and export respectively. In Ethiopia it takes 42 days to export and 44 days to import (about twice as long as it takes in Kenya, Vietnam and China)
• Ethiopia uses the port of Djibouti for nearly 90% of its import export; accounting for more than 120,000 containers a year
• After the 8 days of grace period, the fee per container per day at the Djibouti port is USD 11
• The average cost of logistics and transportation on the total price of imported goods is 40% (in other words if an individual pays 100 Birr for something that was imported, the 40 Birr levied on the price of the item was due to the logistics and transportation cost that the importer added on)
• A business man says a container which should be released with in a week from the port usually stays for a month or more, costing his company more than Ethiopian Birr (ETB) 50,000
• An addition of 2,000 – 2,500 trucks are needed to ease up the Ethio – Djibouti corridor
• Ministry of trade announced for the FY 2012/2013 export decreased from previous years
• Importing a container to Ethiopia compared to Tanzania and Kenya costs USD 1,095 and USD 310 more respectively (it is USD 2,000 when compared to south east Asian countries such as Vietnam)
• The World Bank’s 2007-2012 Logistics Performance Index (LPI) shows Ethiopia ranked 141 out of 150 countries. Dropping 37 places from its previous 104 ranking in the 2003 – 2007 ranking period
• The privates sector urges the government to privatize the sector but the government argues modernization of the sector needs huge investment, which the government is working on, and the government believes the private sector does not have the capacity to cover the needs, hence why it cannot be liberalized.  

The take away point: Ethiopia is landlocked country and logistics are bound to be a huge challenge. However if we Ethiopians give ourselves a tap on the shoulder and only choose to use where the country was yesterday as a reference and compare that with where the country is today, other countries will continue to have the competitive edge on this sector. Ethiopia has to use other exemplary countries’ as a model and either adapts their ways or find alternate solutions to be on their level. Business as usual and resting our full hope and faith that it will be better soon is not really a solution. We have to judge our competitiveness on the facts on the ground today. Import export delivery taking 10 or more days than the average of the Sub-Sahara African countries is really disheartening. Let us not be in self-denial and be content on the hopes of tomorrow. Because, if today we are rest-assured on where we will be tomorrow, there is no guarantee we won't wake up to find ourselves following way far behind yet again. As we plan to modernize the challenges one step at a time, we must keep in mind so are others. Response to address some of the basic and simpler issues should be prioritized. We got to do better.

In this day and age where globalization is not a choice but a matter of survival, where regional and continental economic integration is a race to stay competitive; partnerships with neighboring countries is a necessity. There need not be a love relationship, but at the very least a working relationship based on a mutual interest. Ethiopia & Eritrea seriously need to go back to a working relationship. Both countries would benefit tremendously from the Eritrea's under-utilized ports. Any grudge and stance of bravado needs to die off. We are both better of looking at the big picture and envisioning for the long term. Don’t think others aren’t quietly laughing at us; to the outside world, it matters less who is the aggressor and who is the victim of of the agression. They are always happily prepared to sell us their expensive goods and services; and even bullets and ammunitions if our ignorance leads us there. Our leaders must remember the limitations of our resources and must not lose focus of their priorities.  The driving force to having leaders, who perform their duties and responsibilities based on the public’s interest however, depends on the existence of an engaged and vigilant public.

Read the full article here.  

Daniel’s Reflection on ‘Business Cards: No insignificant Matter’ by Abebe Mulu

In a 2 page article Abebe explains the importance of business cards and how it is the pinnacle of first impression. An article by PSOW states that, the use of business cards dates back to the 15^th century referred as ‘Visiting cards’ by Chinese elites. Introduced to Europe in the 17^th century, and become to be known as “Calling cards” two centuries later. Entrepreneurs and business card experts say Business cards come in all different sizes and colors. While Business cards promote your company, they should not be used, as means of advertisement and you should always treat the card as you would of the cardholder.

Read the full article here.

Cheers,

Daniel 

Daniel’s Reflection on Ethiopian Business Review (Part I)

Reader's Reflection on Ethiopian Business Review (EBR) is Daniel's reflection on some of the articles published on the monthly magazine (this in particular is on the Aug 2013 Edition No6 which is not yet posted on EBR's website). In this post I am sharing the summary of few of the articles from the magazine.

Reflection on the article, 'Discovering Oil in Ethiopia: A Curse or A blessing? The Macroeconomics of a commodity Boom' by Alemayehu Geda (PhD)

There are reports of a possible oil discovery in Ethiopia, if it does so happens, it will require a careful macroeconomic management in the short run to minimize the adverse effect it will have. One of the possible challenges is going to be, the traditional export sectors could get neglected, a term known as the “Dutch Disease” the domestic currency the Birr’s value will increase in relation to the foreign currency which encourages the consumption of foreign goods and when the domestic currency’s value increases it also leads to decrease in export. The second challenge of a resource boom could lead to mishandling of the resources (corruption) tag of war amongst political elites and distrust and a sense of marginalization between groups; as well as decline in the culture of savings both the public and the private sector.

The take away point: Oil resource discovery in Ethiopia would be tremendous, in that, it would help the country achieve its pursuit to become a middle-income country in the near future and decrease the number of Ethiopians living under poverty, which stands at ~29% of the population. Dr. Alemayehu provides some insights as to how responsible actors could prepare to reduce the inevitable by sighting best practices and policies followed by other countries. I also hope and suggest leaders and decision makers especially those in the specific sector read a book by Pro. Paul Collier called 'Bottom Billion', and pay close attention to the chapter in the book that talks about the natural resources trap. 

Daniel’s Reflection (DR) on The Rise of The Middle Class in Addis Ababa.

Lets look in to at least two of the possible indicators of a growing middle class in a society, vehicle

ownership and housing. Cars are extremely expensive in Addis. A used car that could be bought for USD 3,000 or less in the USA, with out a doubt is marketed and sold for more than USD 10,000 in Addis Ababa. Data shows that in the past 5 years the number of customers has increased dramatically and when comparing 2008 to 2012, the number of imported cars increased by three fold (an increase more than 162%).  The number of car assembled with in the country has also followed the same positive slope. All of this with out having credit services; yet, it seems there are way way too many cars on the streets of Addis. People say, owning a car is no longer a luxury thing, but rather has become essential for work and to get things done around town.

The trend of housing and urban life style is no different. As Addisu Deresse writes, people are no longer looking only for decent living places and backyards. They are looking for spaces that fit their personality, reflect their status and ambitions. There is a growing market for interior designers to satisfy the taste of the growing middle class. With growing economy comes the specialization of skills and more work hours in order to optimize on one’s competitive advantage and that leads to people outsourcing some aspects of their tasks to others; including families hiring maids or people just simply eating out and eating in less. As a result, restaurants and services are seeing constant increase in their customers and noticeable change in their customer’s demographics. To get a sense of in depth insight on the rise of the middle class in Addis Ababa, read ‘On Sale: The Growing Car Market and the Emerging Middle Class by Berihun Mekonnen and ‘The Metropolitan Way of Life: The Changing Life Style of the Urbintes’ by Addisu Deresse. 

The take away point: Although there are no shortage of restaurants and services in Addis, I believe that the market for high-end restaurants and services, is still untapped. If you stumble on to one of such status, it is usually full to capacity. As pointed out in the article, people are choosing for the high-end goods and services over prices, which I think is an indicator of the growing economy and standard of living.

Check back again, soon I will post few more summaries of articles that I found are good read. I will also try to post the links to the original articles onces they become available.

Cheers,
Daniel

Obama Resists From Taking America to War

I am convinced President Obama does not want to take America to a war on the Syrian crisis. Many are interpreting Obama’s handling of the crisis exhibits weakness and indecisiveness in his leadership and obscurity of his foreign policy. I for one disagree and I am not surprised by the president’s actions or there lack of. He is one of the most calculated, cool tempered presidents who cares about the average constituent and the weight of his decision on ordinary people. Obama is not reactive like other leaders who are more concerned about being perceived as strong leaders and are unwavering on their stance of bravado. He is more focused on making the right decisions and seems to care less about the judgment of those who are quick to react. A US unilateral action against the Syrian government would have unintended consequences with uncertain results; and Obama’s approach to the conflict has been consistent with his character, a president who is cautious and thorough when making decisions whether it be getting involved in wars or proposing domestic agenda.

I believe the President’s repeated warning to the Syrian government against the use of chemical weapons calling it “The Red Line”, to suggest that the US would get involved and take action if that line is crossed was his way of communicating to the world, that he does not intend to drag himself and his country into the conflict. I think his calculation was to give the Syrian government something they should not cross. Hence keep the US out of the conflict at least publicly. One would agree if the US can invade Iraq on the bases of suspected Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), logic would suggest that, for the Syrian government to call Obama’s warning bluff and use chemical weapons on their own people is nothing but a suicidal move, a risk not worth taking. So, some could argue, but that didn’t work, the president must have miscalculated the Syrian governments behavior? Perhaps, perhaps not. We don’t really know who used the chemical weapons do we? On my next post I will look into which actor(s) might actually have used the chemical weapons and why.

As Obama weights his options on Syria, I am sure the legacies of President Clinton’s Rwanda and President Bush’s Iraq are on his mind. He knows there is no easy fix but a high probable of lose lose outcome. What ever his political reasons might be, at the very least the Noble Peace Prize winner does not want to be judged for being an aggressor and a warmonger who engages the world in the same manner, as his predecessor would have. After all, in order to regain America’s credibility and win the hearts and minds of others, newly elected Obama did go around the world carrying the message, Americans respect the sovereignty and the ways of others; and that America is neither a hypocrite bully nor is it controlled by those who do believe that, the American expceptionalism equates to the US being bestowed the responsibility to act as the policeman of the world. Because in Obama’s own words, change has come to America, and “…a new dawn of American leadership [was] at hand.”

It is not surprising then that Obama, as Julie Pace reported to the Associated Press, against the advice of his cabinet secretaries, Obama chose not to take action against the Syrian government unless congress approves of his planned action. I believe this is another sign that even though he is asking for it, perhaps he hopes the American public would not endorse it. Perhaps the president himself is skeptic that the Syrian government used the chemical weapons. One way or another he seems to agree with Malcolm Gladwell’s advice, "…in times of crisis, we think what we want from our leaders is the benefit of their expertise; and that is not true. What we want from our leaders is the benefit of their humility”. Obama get’s it; when leaders stick to their stance of bravado their followers will be the one to shoulder the pain.

With the international media reporting more than 100,000 Syrians having lost their lives, 2 million refugees and 4 million internally displaced, the conflict is still raging and many Americans feel, the US have an obligation to help the conflict come to an end because the most powerful countries in the world do have responsibility. Former Deputy Secretary of Defense, Paul Wolfowitz best articulates this belief as he once said, “With so great a capacity to influence events comes a requirement to figure out how best to use that capacity to shape the future…besides, the risk of inaction, although difficult to gauge is likely to outweigh the risks of action.”

On the other side of the spectrum however are those who feel the US is not the policeman of the world and should not get involved, unless backed by a UN resolution. American intellectual and theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, also warned, in fact, “False security to which all men are tempted is the security of power”. Followers of the later view believe, the possible best-case scenario of US involvement in Syria would be a regime change and even that might not necessarily bring an inclusive and Western friendly regime to Syria; and ask why should then leaders of the West ramp up support for the need to get involved and take action? Andrew J. Bacevich an International Relations and History professor at Boston University who previously served in the military for 23 years, strongly agrees with Niebuhr. In his book The Limits of Power: The Endof American Exceptionalism, Bacevich articulates that America’s founding principle have been compromised. Because the US involvement around the world has to do largely to protect America’s ever-expanding consumption appetite, instead of finding ways to live under its means.

This strategy is not sustainable and breeds even more need for military involvement across the globe. Washington, Bacevich warns, has created a vast new permanent security apparatus, such as the Pentagon, the C.I.A. and other intelligence agencies, making it harder for leaders to make independent decision, because each institution has its own interests that are not always aligned with one another. According to the author, the vast bureaucratic tapes prove more hindrance than assistance to decision makers. “Agencies put their interests above the nations; the generals just looked out for themselves and their particular services.”

Keeping those challenges in mind, one should certainly appreciate President Obama’s courage for standing against the Washington institutions and taking the matter of Syria to congress rather than deciding to act on his own as advised by his ‘Security Apparatus’ advisors. When Paces wrote, “The (president’s) decision highlights what has been a source of criticism among Washington’s foreign policy thinkers: a president who has centralized decision-making within the White House and at times marginalized the State Department and Pentagon.” This is a testament to the President that he is making independent decisions as opposed to accepting what is possibly being prescribed to him from those institutions. The president’s critics vindicate what Bacevich long preached; which is the foreign policies of different recent presidents are similar and bound to be similar; unless we elect a president who is willing to fight those prescription memos coming out of those mighty corridors and take the case to the people.

The views expressed in this article are the author's own views.

~Daniel

My Four Choice of Words for Ethiopian New Year's Resolution

I feel HAPPY and blessed with a receptive brain that is capable of learning a lot of things if I choose to Click here to learn more insight about the Ethiopian calendar.  This gives most Ethiopian Diasporas, an opportunity or excuse (depending how you look at it) to reflect, reassess, recycle, restart and prioritize our New Year resolution twice in a year. I am no different. So, I too, try to immerse myself in the spirit and dig in deep to reflect on my previous resolutions and subsequent progress.
feed it.  Today Sept 11, 2013 is a fresh New Year to Ethiopians. Ethiopia does not follow the Gregorian calendar or Western calendar. To Ethiopians, today is actually September 1, 2006.

This year I feel more confident, realistic and driven. Maintaining this upbeat attitude and feelings will be the most important part. Making sure those motivations do not become fleeting feelings. I will have to write my goals using the SMART plans and structure my plans and goals into something that are actionable and measurable; well at least until January 1, 2014, when I am sure I will be reflecting and on today’s resolution yet again. I am focusing on four words to help me achieve the goals and resolutions I wish to pursue. Success, how ever small or big we all dream is inevitable, for it is a mere reflection of one’s internal satisfaction to the time, money and energy we invest towards some task or project. Therefore success is largely dependent on our inputs towards it. There are no short cuts and there is no alternate for hard work, but there are essential additions to supplement and enhance hard work. I guess I am trying to rephrase the saying, “Success is when hard work meets opportunity”. My four choice of words for 2006 are:

1. OPPORTUNITY – Take everything for what it is worth and try to capitalize on it, growth and progress will naturally ensue.

2. LIMIT – I have heard many wiser men say, the one thing that stops people from reaching there potential is the limit that they put on themselves. It is true at the curves and boundaries are the sweet spots for learning & absorbing. One’s capabilities and interests must surely be explored and tried one step at a time, it shall be achieved. “I might not be there yet but I am closer than I was yesterday”. And as the story goes, Thomas Edison failed more than 10,000 times when he was trying to create an electric light bulb, but he saw it differently saying, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work.”

3. ACTION – True learning comes from engaging and trying theories in practical terms to gain more experience. Doing one’s plans timely requires focus, efficiency and productivity (my choice of words in my previous resolution that still will be in play this time around).

4. SYNERGY – Connect things and fill in the gaps to optimize on everything. “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts”

However, with all of that, there is one thing that is hard to plan or execute, but with life’s grace, more than anything else, the role other people play in our lives is unmatched. Through their guidance, assistance or just simply by being in it, they become the source and the reason of our motivation. The reasons how and why certain people enter our lives and are able to influence us is as diverse as the purpose they are in it to begin with

With that being said, we don’t know our influence on others but the influence of others on us. It is beautiful that way. I for one always feel so many people have helped, guided and influenced me for which I am grateful (whether big or small and you might even not know it).

Amongst other things, one of my goals for this year is to learn more through reading and writing. I plan to share what I learn or what I observe with you through one of my many social media accounts and e-mail. I would love for you to share your feedback what ever it might be; it is a great help to me as I try to progress each day. I will post what ever I feel is worth sharing on my Lifelong Student blog, facebook and/or twitter accounts.

If you are on one of those and we are not connected please add me on to the your circle of friends.

www.danielethiopia.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/DanielEthiopia

or on facebook I am Daniel Ethiopia

Cheers and to my Ethiopians Happy New Year. May 2006 bring you joy and fulfillment. Here is less than one minute video a glimpse of Addis Ababa around Bole area.

~Daniel

An Experience of Being in Addis Ababa When the Ethiopians National Soccer Team Wins

Watch this short video  that my coworker and I recorded Ethiopians watching their Walya's in agony as they trail the Wild Beasts of Central African Republic 1:0 the first half; then the city burst into joy as the Walyas came back to win 2:1 and be only two games away from qualifying for the World Cup in Brazil next summer for the first time in Ethiopian History.

Another memorable day in the motherland, such a blessing it is to be in the midst of my people, sharing the joy.

ድል ለዋልያዎቻችን። ሁሌም ይቻላ!

Daniel Ethiopia
September 7, 2013
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Daniel’s Chronicle of Addis Ababa (Part I)

Dear family and Friends, sorry for not keeping you up to date as I thought I would. However, unfortunately the Internet service here in Ethiopia is not as cooperative; hence, it is good excuse for my ‘better late than never’ update. Rather than attempting to update you all via e-mail and what’s not I figured I would just write a blog post and hope you find it worth the read of what I have to share.

There is something about me and writing, I start writing something and I tend to leave it half done; telling myself this isn’t ready to be shared, it out to be articulated, researched or simply explained better. Then one day at a time, the topic becomes long past overdue and I lose the urge to spend some more time editing and reviewing it before sharing it with others. I am going to try to start a different habit of writing and sharing, that is, I am going to try to share what I find myself writing however brief or inadequate it might be.

Let’s consider this one as the pre-emptive resolution to the new Ethiopian New Year just around the corner. It has been five years since the last time I visited the motherland; and my family & friends ask me very much similar question. Those outside of Ethiopia ask how is it? And those in Ethiopia ask how did you find it? The questions from those in the Diaspora seems to be more or less open ended while the questions from those within Ethiopia seem to have a suggestive tone (as if they have no doubt that I should be witnessing change).

It is not easy to answer the questions with just simple generalized statements. So I thought to myself, why not try to describe things as I am experiencing them by explaining and describing things as accurately as I find it; thus attempt to give people a very small lens to their senses and leave the translation and definition to their own imagination as much as I can.

The nonstop flight with Ethiopian airline from DC to Addis ended with a loud applause by the passengers as our plane smoothly landed at Bole airport. Through out the flight, the flight attendants kept addressing me as ‘antu; “erswo” an Amharic word used to show respect when addressing people who are either older than oneself or to imply respect (given, that I am a young man, I thought it showed the airlines humble customer service and professionalism, although I have heard to the contrary from fellow country man, every time that I have taken Ethiopian I never been disappointed). I don’t really remember Bole airport’s conditions or its set up to know if there is change or not…the process was fast and before I knew it, I was outside of the airport gazing at the plentiful of old taxis and gazing at the city. I don’t ever remember being so alert and eager to soak in anything and everything in details. The whole city seems much greener than I used to remember it, the taxis seem to be much older and worn out than what ever I was expecting.

Driving through the city is much different than how I remember it five years ago. Literally the whole city seems under construction (sometime back when I lived in the outskirts of Houston, Texas, my friends and I used to joke how if you leave your house for a week, when you come back to your home, you would notice new houses next to your house and you would wonder how and when they got built), in Addis Ababa it is as if that thought is on steroid. Some old neighborhoods and blocks are unrecognizable with new buildings and business centers. Yet so many things look incomplete and so much gap to be filled. What seems a barely finished and inaugurated building already has broken edges, non functioning electrical hand dryers, water faucets, doors, and stained walls already screaming for repainting etc.

I was at George Washington University one day for African Business Forum, and I remember one of the panelists Pro. Yohannes Assefa saying when ‘I travel to different countries through out, I try to think of 10 feasible business ideas in the time span that take me from the airport to my hotel’. Here you need not travel from airport to your hotel room for 10 business ideas, you can stand at an intersection survey your area and guaranteed you would think of dozen business ideas that are lacking. The city is heaven for creative and entrepreneurial spirited minds. As I arrived at my temporary home from Bole airport (a nice apartment to my standards) I could not believe the number of vehicles around. Nowhere in America have I seen that many cars in any residential neighborhood. It seems at least in these apartment complexes there are more cars per household than in any apartment settings in the US (perhaps adequate attention was not given to parking spaces when the apartment complexes here were designed). I tried to take shower before heading to work but unfortunately there was no running water (still many weeks later there rarely is running water in the morning after 8am and around 8pm…but that is no problem we have big buckets full of water and my roommates and I don’t seem to be bother by it at all.

Though my body kept feeling it was up for a while and it must been late in the afternoon (thanks to Jet lag), it was only 9:30am local time when I showed up to my workplace office about an hour and half later after I landed.  Just few minutes into it I was asked if I want Coffee or Tea. Thinking to myself I ordered neither I said none. Little did I know, we get free Coffee or Tea at about 9:30am and another one at about 3pm (yes its kind of normal thing in Ethiopia at least in bigger offices). Big smiles. 

I went 6 floors down to one of the cafes for lunch, had Injera firfir and after the very first bite, my thoughts were what the hell is the Injera around DC made of? I must have forgotten how delicious the authentic Injera could be. Thanks to what America has thought me, I asked to take with me my left over (I think the fact that the locals use ‘take away’ as their vocabulary for any order that is to go is indicator of Ethiopians are not accustomed to taking their left over).  I paid about 70-80 Birr, which equates to approximately 4 - 5 Dollars for my one Injera meal with a freshly made mixed juice for drink. There I had completed my first half workday in the motherland.

Most people feel life is expensive and living standard in Addis is very high. I suppose it is a matter of perspective and what the reference is. To me certain things seem to be expensive compared to the Washington DC area, and of course certain things are much cheaper. But there is one thing that is undeniable what ever the reason is; money just seems to be leaving one’s pocket at a much faster rate. I tell my friends jokingly, I frequently have to look back and check to see if money is slipping out of my pocket J Here are sample of things that are much more expensive here, a shoes that I could buy around DC for about 35 - 50 Dollars, here, it is well over 100 Dollars. If you want to dry-clean a shirt it is a bit over 2 Dollars where as in DC you can get it done for less than 2 Dollars. What are cheaper here? Mainly things that are labor-intensive products/services that are Ethiopia based; example freshly made avocado juice, getting hair cut etc…these things would be at least 2-3 times cheaper than what one would pay around DC. Either way you need to carry a lot of cash with you. As one of my friends put it, when you start planning your day, you honestly need to think about do I need to buy anything today? If yes, how many thousands of cash do I need is the next question that needs to be addressed. A shoe that I am wearing was 2,400 Birr (approx $128), wouldn’t have paid more than $35 in the states. If you want to buy a jacket or something else it is going to be a pocket full of cash (you get the point).

  

A lot of rest rooms in the city seem to be designed by the same engineers, unless the door to the men’s restrooms is closed, the Urinals are often times on the wall directly from the door and when people open the doors there is no privacy. The ladies as they pass to their ladies restrooms could have a good view of the men aiming there if they so wish too J. But nothing matches the difficulty of finding restrooms in service facilities that have toilet papers. I only have found few restrooms that have toilet papers; you got to carry one of your own to be safe. What else is somewhat different, well, around here I notice people pick up someone else’s (coworkers, friend and families) phone calls with out hesitation and answer the call. It seems normal and they do it so genuinely. For the whole time that I have been here, I think it has at the very least rained once a day and the 13 months of sunshine is being waited on patiently. Café’s are everywhere and full of customers at least on the weekends, during lunch and after work hours. I am not sure how it is like in between the rush hours, but I wouldn’t think it changes much. People are chill and when you go to restaurant and like places, you will have to wait for sometime unless you ask for services yourself…in most places the bill is only brought to you once you have asked for it (the gap regarding customer services or the lack of it as I see it actually needs its own topic…coming soon)

What has been the most surprising thing for me is, I used to follow the Ethiopian current events/politics fairly close while living in the Diaspora; but around here not so much. Why? Because, there is not as much catalyst as there is when you live in the Diaspora. In the Diaspora, certainly in DC there is nonstop discussion of topics related to Ethiopian politics or current events. Perhaps people lean towards that as a way to stay connected and feel close to home. Around here, people go about their daily lives and there seems very very little talk about politics. Even though I am in the heart of the land I have never felt so distanced from Ethiopian current events due to the lack of access to information of variant viewpoints. The Internet is slow or sometimes just doesn’t work at all, so it certainly discourages you from having to Google online news. I interact with people a lot but they neither seem to be concerned nor interested to discuss politics. Except two things many residents are convinced standard of living is very expensive, but I am not sure if people over look the other side of the equation, why things are expensive? To me there seems to be unlimited demand and people seem to be spenders but no one discusses that side of the equation. The second one is corruption, a topic that circulates a lot even in Azmari bet (who can help me define Azmari bet in English) as jokes and satires.   

The other thing that I have notice is how people seem to be so relaxed and walk with their heads help up high no urgency in their steps and seem to be living in the moment. People walk slowly and cheerfully as if they have no place to be at a specific time they would just get where ever they are going when ever they get there. It makes you a bit jealous but living here you adopt quickly to the circumstances.

All and all if I had to choose one thing to use as a sample to reflect or summarize the status of Addis Ababa, I would say the road system epitomizes life and everything in general in the city. In some areas it is quite wonderful and very nice. Yet, even in those nicely built roads including the newly inaugurated Bole road, so much work is still needed, the drainage on the side of the road for instance are wide open as can be seen on one of this picture and very dangerous for people walking in the dark or even during the day, but possibly not paying attention to their steps. Some roads in the city terribly need repair and redesign. Addis Ababa is a city that defines ‘Work in Progress’ and certainly its worst days seem long behind it. 

Disclaimer, this is just bit of my observation, on my next post I will share my experience about services from government offices or off there lack of and promise to keep it to a specific topic. Share whatever view comes to mind as you read this.

 

Warmly from the Motherland,

Daniel