More than 229 people lost their lives following two consecutive landslides in the region on July 21, 2024, with hundreds more feared to be still buried under the rubble. An additional 25,000 people have been displaced by the catastrophe, according to local officials. The area’s residents have been digging desperately, largely without machinery, to recover bodies from the rubble over the last five days.

The national flag will be lowered for three days beginning July 27 in memory of the victims.

On a fateful Monday, February 12, a 43-year-old woman embarked on a grueling journey, enduring an arduous hour-long commute via public transport to reach the nearest health center from her humble abode. Undeterred, she pressed on for an additional ninety minutes, eventually arriving at Korem’s General Hospital.

Her referral was prompted by pregnancy-related complications that had emerged a mere few days shy of her due date. Recognizing the imminent threat to both mother and unborn child, the medical team resolved to perform a life-saving caesarian section (C-section).

“In emergency situations, it is dangerous waiting for a natural delivery. So it is in these cases that our teams decide to perform a C-section,” explains Ryoko Hirayama, the MSF OT Nursing Activity Manager in Korem.

After a week under the hospital’s diligent care, both mother and baby triumphantly left the premises, their lives preserved and hopes restored.

Northern Ethiopia’s healthcare system had been ravaged by a debilitating two-year conflict. However, in November 2022, a peace agreement was inked, leading to the gradual reestablishment of healthcare services in previously inaccessible and strife-ridden regions. Alas, many communities remain mired in the quagmire of limited healthcare access.

Responding to this dire situation, MSF commenced operations in December 2022 in the environs of Alamata and Korem. The organization was disheartened to discover that the health facilities in these areas had been reduced to rubble, pillaged, bereft of essential supplies, and struggling to replenish their stock. The communities had languished without medical care for months and years, enduring severe physical and psychological repercussions.

To ensure a modicum of humanitarian access to healthcare, MSF deployed two mobile medical teams, now providing essential support to seven health centers and three health posts in remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Between January and December 2023, a staggering total of 31,072 medical consultations were conducted across five mobile clinics. Of these, over 13,000 concerned children under the age of five, while more than 6,500 women received comprehensive maternity and gynecological care. In a bid to expand their reach and impact, MSF doubled the number of mobile clinics this year, elevating the count from five sites in 2023 to a commendable 10 sites in 2024.

While this concerted effort has undeniably improved access to primary healthcare, the process of referring patients with complications to hospitals remains a daunting challenge. Moreover, numerous health facilities continue to grapple with inadequate supplies and materials, jeopardizing the delivery of basic quality care.

In the preceding year, from March 8 to the close of December 2023, a significant number of patients—238, to be precise—were referred from the mobile clinics to Korem Hospital, with a notable proportion requiring urgent maternal healthcare.

One of the most lamentable consequences of the prevailing difficulties in reaching health centers is the alarming frequency of home births among pregnant women. This predicament further exacerbates the barriers they face in obtaining the necessary care when complications arise during delivery, thereby perpetuating a vicious cycle of inadequate support and heightened risks.

In a noteworthy collaboration between the MSF and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Health (MoH), a momentous occasion unfolded on January 16, 2024.

Korem General Hospital bore witness to the grand inauguration of its state-of-the-art operating theatre (OT) and the advent of a Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care unit (CEmONC). This groundbreaking development marked a turning point for women grappling with complications during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum, as well as newborns in need of comprehensive care.

Emphasizing the significance of this achievement, Chiara Martinotta, MSF Project Medical Referent in Ethiopia, underscores the dire circumstances faced by many mothers: “We receive mothers with serious complications after giving birth at home. Many women have no other choice than to deliver at home. People have to walk two, three, up to five hours to reach a functional health facility.”

The restoration of the operating theatre is poised to enhance access to surgical care and cater to the medical complexities encountered by expectant mothers. However, MSF’s involvement in Korem extends beyond the confines of the hospital walls. The team engages in imparting health promotion trainings to both hospital staff and community health workers residing in remote and inaccessible areas.

Recognizing the invaluable role played by these community health workers, Martinotta says they can provide crucial support in preventive endeavors when MSF’s physical presence is lacking. By offering timely assistance and sparing patients the arduous five-hour journey along treacherous roads, these health workers ensure a continuous presence of healthcare professionals to monitor the well-being of mothers and babies following childbirth.

Nearly two months have elapsed since the ceremonial unveiling of the operating theatre, and the MSF team, in collaboration with MoH personnel, has already performed a series of surgeries, including seven emergency cesarean sections, and diligently tending to the needs of newborns and their mothers in the dedicated unit designed to provide comprehensive care.

Hirayama, reflecting on their achievements thus far, remarked, “We didn’t have many patients at the OT yet, but we already managed to save lives. We had some positive impact. The staff is improving, and we are feeling positive about the outcomes.”

The MSF team stationed in Korem sees a resolute vision of a positive and enduring impact, driven by a commitment to fortify the capacities of MoH personnel—a cornerstone of the project’s foundation. With their sights set on the long-term, the collaborative efforts between MSF and the Ministry of Health hold the promise of transforming the landscape of healthcare provision in the region.

In recent years, the Ethiopian music scene has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing a new format known as the half album or EP. This approach has taken the industry by storm, providing a dynamic platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their talents in fresh and exciting ways, while forging deeper connections with their audiences.

Since 2024, the music industry has witnessed a resounding resurgence, as if a dormant volcano has erupted, spilling forth a torrent of new albums.

Among the wave of musical revelations, YeMariam Cherenat, known as YEMa, has unveiled her latest opus, “Ye Dega Sew,” a sonic masterpiece that pushes boundaries. Aschalew Fetene, the mastermind behind the acclaimed works “Enatwa Gondar” and “Kasina Gojam,” has released an album bearing his own name, “Aschale.”

But the musical feast doesn’t stop there. Teddy Yo, with his unmistakable reggae flair, has dropped “Yileyal,” a rhythmic explosion leaving listeners yearning for more. Joining this symphony of talent, Kasahun Eshetu and Liuel Sisay have added their own contributions to this renaissance with their recent releases, each embodying a musical journey.
As we look ahead to the coming months, the air is thick with anticipation.

DJ Rofnan Nuri, an icon in the realm of EDM music, is set to unleash not one, but two albums simultaneously, promising an electrifying.

The return of Abebe Teka, emerging from a prolonged hiatus, carries an air of excitement, as fans eagerly await his newest musical offering. The upcoming releases from Tsagaye Eshetu, Michael Belayneh, Esubalew Yitayew, Addis Legese, Bizuayehu Demse, and Henok Ekubai, are all poised to capture the ears of music enthusiasts with their forthcoming albums.

This tidal wave of musical revelations symbolizes a profound evolution within the Ethiopian music scene, where boundaries are shattered, and artistic expressions take flight.
In the midst of this musical revolution, one figure stands tall, a stalwart with an illustrious 45-year career. Dawit Yifru, recently bestowed with an honorary doctorate in artistic works, serves as the president of the Association of Music Sectors and is the visionary behind the Dahlak and Roha bands.

Reflecting on the evolution of music dissemination, Dawit reminisces about the transition from ancient times to the middle Ages, tracing the journey from live performances to the advent of CDs and, finally, the widespread distribution of music online.

In a transformative era that swept Ethiopia four decades ago, the country’s music landscape experienced a profound shift. Faced with changing times, influential institutions like Kibur Zebegna, Ye Police Serawit, Hager Fiker, and the National Theater rose to the occasion, crafting songs and poems that struck a chord with the nation, Dawit explained.
On September 11th, or the first day of the Ethiopian New year, these remarkable compositions echoed through radio channels, etching a significant moment in Ethiopian music history, he says. “The power of a song repeatedly broadcasted on the airwaves cannot be underestimated – it becomes a cultural force, shaping the emotions and aspirations of a society.”

During the turbulent Derg era, Grundy, a music company, recognized the pivotal role of radio airplay. They seized the opportunity and recorded these anthems on tapes, ensuring their widespread distribution to restaurants and entertainment venues. “The impact was profound, amplifying the reach and influence of these soul-stirring melodies,” Dawit says.
Amidst the political upheaval, radio and television channels became the battleground for motivational war songs, mirroring the prevailing sentiment of the time. To ensure the fervent messages reached every corner of the nation, tape reproduction and extensive marketing became the norm.

As societal norms evolved, music releases expanded beyond the confines of New Year’s Day to embrace all major holidays, including Christmas and Easter.

This breakthrough, according to Dawit, opened the floodgates, allowing a broader audience to connect with the music. The melodies resonated particularly with soldiers and teachers stationed in far-flung provinces, providing an emotional outlet for their experiences and aspirations.

Nurturing this artistic revolution were visionary businessmen who recognized talent when they saw it. These entrepreneurs, he says became patrons, providing financial support to budding singers, enabling them to hone their craft.

“From brainstorming creative ideas to penning poignant lyrics, these partnerships became the catalysts for producing groundbreaking music,” Dawit said. “Businessmen played a pivotal role. Covering all expenses, they facilitated the birth of new melodies that would go on to captivate audiences far and wide.”

Singers, in turn, sought collaborations with popular bands, harnessing the collective genius to create captivating compositions that transcended boundaries.

However, the road to success was not without its challenges. While music tapes proved to be a lucrative avenue for dealers, the earnings for musicians themselves often amounted to meager sums, barely covering basic necessities like food and shelter.

The tides of change arrived with the advent of CDs, revolutionizing the music industry. These shiny discs offered superior sound quality and ease of reproduction, ushering in an era of enhanced music production. Printing and duplication required minimal effort, allowing artists to focus on perfecting their craft.

As the appetite for music grew, a network of distributors emerged to meet the demand.
Companies such as Elektra, Ambasel, Ethio Sound, Tango Music House, and Rambe became key players in the music distribution landscape, catering to the diverse tastes of Ethiopian music enthusiasts. Nonetheless, growth came hand in hand with challenges.

The rise of illegal publishers posed a threat to artists’ livelihoods, compelling them to raise their voices against copyright infringement and unauthorized distribution of their work. In response, the introduction of the ‘Copyright’ Act aimed to protect the rights of music professionals. Yet, questions lingered about its effectiveness in curbing piracy and ensuring fair compensation.

The introduction of copyright legislation marked a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle to protect the rights and livelihoods of music creators but a host of challenges continue to impact the livelihoods of musicians and the growth of the sector.

Despite this legal framework, enforcement remained lax for over 14 years, leaving musicians disillusioned and unable to seek justice for infringements on their creative works.
The sale of CDs, once seen as a potential financial boon, has failed to deliver significant benefits to artists. Instead, Dawit believes it has created a precarious financial landscape, where producing poetry, music, or forming a band comes with substantial costs.

“Studios charge by the hour, and various expenses quickly add up, making album production accessible only to those capable of bearing the financial burden,” he said.
The primary objective of album releases has shifted from pursuing fame to recouping the investment made in production, according to him. While vocalists may find opportunities through invitations to platforms, club performances, and concerts, he says songwriters and lyricists often receive one-time payments for their contributions, further straining their financial stability.

Financial hardships plague many individuals in the music industry, with some relying on public support during times of illness or other emergencies. The sale of songs and lyrics often fetches meager prices, with only a select few renowned compositions commanding higher value due to their established reputations.

Despite the presence of music associations such as the Musicians’ Union, the Kayanian (Vocalists and Dancers) Association, the Songwriters’ Association, and the Music Producers’ Association, collaboration among members remains limited.

This lack of cohesion hampers the industry’s potential for collective growth and development, as individualistic pursuits often overshadow collective efforts.
Dawit reflects on the decline in album production, noting a sharp contrast to the prolific output of the 70s and 80s. In an ever-evolving cultural landscape, audiences now demand innovation and novelty, making it increasingly challenging for traditional album releases to gain widespread acceptance.

“The fragmented nature of the music industry poses significant obstacles for aspiring artists and impedes the sector’s overall progress. Overcoming these challenges necessitates greater collaboration and unity among stakeholders, fostering a thriving and sustainable music ecosystem for all,” Dawit emphasized.

Renowned figure Sewmehon Yismawe (Somic), known for his contributions to film and advertising, sheds light on the arduous process of producing music albums. Time constraints, sourcing materials, and assembling professional instrumentalists all add to the complexity. According to Sewmehon, project timelines often extend far beyond initial projections, causing frustration and delays. He says he has encountered delays by up to two-years and seven months on a project slated to be finished in six month.

Achieving the desired quality in music production requires meticulous refinement. Sewmehon conducted an extensive search for a drum crafted from Benshangul Gumuz, a quest that demanded considerable time and effort.

Reflecting on prevailing trends in Ethiopian music albums, Sewmehon challenges the conventional approach of bundling different themes under a single title. He advocates for a more focused and cohesive album concept, incorporating diverse musical elements like drums and flutes to create unique and differentiated offerings.

Sewmehon emphasizes the importance of authenticity in music creation, urging singers to deeply connect with the lyrics they perform. He believes that leveraging one’s cultural background can enhance the emotional resonance of the music, and encourages artists to embrace their heritage as a source of artistic inspiration.

As Ethiopia’s music industry navigates through these complexities, it is essential to address copyright enforcement, financial struggles, and the pursuit of artistic authenticity. “By fostering greater collaboration, supporting artists financially, and protecting their creative rights, the industry can overcome these challenges, paving the way for a thriving and sustainable music scene that enriches the cultural fabric of the nation,” Sewmehon said.
For him, music is not just a commercial endeavor – it is a long-term investment that embodies artistic integrity and cultural significance. By prioritizing authenticity and innovation, Sewmehon envisions a future where Ethiopian music albums captivate audiences not only for their melodies but also for their profound cultural narratives.
One such testament to this vision is the album “YeDega Sew” by YeMariam Chernet, affectionately known as Yema. The creation of this album was a labor of love, spanning two years of meticulous dedication and collaboration.

Euel Mengistu, a music teacher at Yared Music School, played a pivotal role as the composer, music arranger, recording engineer, sound integrator, and producer.
Yema’s passion for music, particularly her love for English songs from the 1990s and early 2000s, served as a wellspring of inspiration. The album reflects her lifelong journey, blending her personal musical influences with the vibrant tapestry of Ethiopian culture.
However, the creation of “YeDega Sew” was not without its sacrifices. Euel, driven by his unwavering belief in Yema’s talent, sold his car to finance the project, going above and beyond to bring their artistic visions to life, regardless of the personal cost.
To capture the essence of Ethiopia’s diverse musical traditions, Euel embarked on a research journey, aptly named “Yesnike,” exploring the musical treasures hidden within different Ethiopian communities. His travels to regions like Gamo, Sonke, and Bale Robe unearthed a wealth of inspiration, infusing the album with an authentic and vibrant cultural tapestry.

The journey to complete the album took two years, an endeavor that left Yemariam exhausted yet fulfilled. The result is a collection of songs that not only showcase her talent but also pay homage to the rich musical heritage of Ethiopia.
Collaboration played a central role in the creation of “YeDega Sew,” with seasoned musicians such as Yilma Gebreab, Aynalem Azo, and Gola Goh lending their talents. The album became a melting pot of musical expertise, blending traditional Ethiopian sounds with modern influences, resulting in a harmonious fusion that captivates the senses.
The success of “YeDega Sew” has sparked anticipation for forthcoming releases in the Ethiopian music scene. Abebe Teka’s full album and Kirubel Tesfaye’s upcoming music compositions are eagerly awaited, promising to further enrich the nation’s musical landscape.

Kirubel, reflecting on the meticulous process of music production, emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and the significant time investment required to perfect each element. He says It is this commitment to excellence that ensures that the final product resonates deeply with listeners, transcending mere compositions to become a testament to Ethiopia’s rich cultural heritage.

In the midst of this musical resurgence, Esubalew Yitayew, another talented artist, is also preparing for his album release. While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, the pre-production stage is underway, promising an exciting addition to the ever-evolving Ethiopian music scene.

As the Ethiopian music industry embraces authenticity and collaboration, a new era of artistic expression dawns.

The coronavirus pandemic was a particular hit to the Ethiopian economy currency – and the currency has struggled to recover since. The pandemic saw its export of goods and services drop by up to 30% and significantly reduced the amount of capital coming into the East African country through remittances from abroad. A World Bank report estimated that remittances to countries in Sub-Saharan Africa fell by 9% in 2020 and 6% in 2021.

This was a particular problem for the Ethiopian birr because both of these factors resulted in less foreign exchange coming into the country. Put simply, fewer US dollars relative to the existing supply of Ethiopian birr led to higher demand for a limited amount of dollars, driving up the value of the greenback.

These trends were exacerbated by the outbreak of war in the Tigray region in November 2020, which destroyed whole swathes of factories and industry and, as a result, cost Ethiopia approximately $20 million in monthly export revenues. This widening current account deficit has contributed to dwindling foreign exchange reserves and therefore the ongoing weakness of the birr.

It is of course true that Ethiopia is not the only African currency to experience weakness over the past few years. Emerging markets generally were badly hit at the start of the pandemic in early 2020, when a “flight to safety” amongst foreign investors encouraged mass capital inflows into the greenback or dollar-denominated assets.

Throughout the turbulence of the pandemic, the risk appetite of investors was highly limited and therefore assets perceived to be “high risk,” such as the Ethiopian birr, became less appealing. Then, the Federal Reserve’s decision to ramp up interest rates in the US reinforced this trend, with foreign exchange traders taking advantage of the higher yields on offer in American markets – to the detriment of emerging and frontier markets in Africa and elsewhere. The Nigerian Naira, Kenyan Shilling, Zambian Kwacha, and Angolan Kwanza have all been hit for similar reasons.

However, the situation is arguably particularly bad in Ethiopia, making it less likely that the currency will be able to recover. Just last month, Addis Ababa failed to pay a $33 million bond coupon, days after the governor of the central bank had told the Ethiopian parliament that the country would avoid defaulting on its debts.

This unexpected default was despite the fact that earlier in 2023, Ethiopia’s single largest creditor, China, allowed the East African country to suspend debt repayments on bonds maturing in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This, combined with the fact that Ethiopia has relatively low levels of external debt, had led to speculation that the real reason for Ethiopia’s debt default is simply governmental incompetence. Will foreign traders be prepared to hold the currency of a government which many fear is out of its depth?

Given all of this, it seems unlikely that there is much prospect of the birr strengthening in 2024. Particularly with the Ethiopian government raising the risks for foreign investors in East Africa as a result of its Red Sea deal with Somaliland, which is causing serious tensions with neighbouring Somalia and Djibouti, it is unlikely that there will be significant capital inflows into Addis Ababa this year.

The Infinix NOTE 30 boasts a slim and contemporary design that is bound to grab attention. Its elegant aesthetics, coupled with a premium finish, deliver a device that exudes style. Available in an array of captivating colors, the NOTE 30 allows you to choose a variant that complements your personal style.

A notable highlight of the NOTE 30 is its remarkable 6.67-inch Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate. With full HD+ resolution, it offers vibrant and razor-sharp visuals, making it perfect for a range of activities, from enjoying multimedia content and gaming to everyday use. The AMOLED technology guarantees deep blacks and vivid colors, creating an immersive viewing experience.

Under the hood, the Infinix NOTE 30 is powered by the robust MediaTek Helio G99 Ultra power Processor ensuring seamless and responsive performance. Whether you’re multitasking, gaming, or running resource-intensive applications, the NOTE 30 handles it all effortlessly. Additionally, the device offers ample 16GB (Extended 8GB+8GB) RAM and 256 GB storage options, allowing you to pick the configuration that best suits your requirements.

A standout feature is the generous 5,000mAh battery, providing all-day power. With Infinix’s energy-efficient optimizations, you can confidently use your phone throughout the day without worrying about frequent recharges. What’s more, the NOTE 30 supports the 68W All-Round Fast Charge which can charge the large 5000mAh battery to 80% in 30 min.  Not only that, the battery cycle times are up to 1000 times, 25% higher than the traditional value in the industry, which is good and durable. the Note 30 has Ai Smart Charge, which aims to better charge your phone overnight by charging it most of the way to full and only topping it off before you get up in the morning.

The Note 30 also supports Bypass charging. As the name suggests, it is a way to power the phone via the Type-C port without continuously charging the battery. This is a great feature, particularly for gaming and can greatly increase the longevity of the battery. The feature is available through the built-in X Arena gaming environment on the Note 30. Last but not least, the Note 30 also supports wired reverse charging via its Type-C port, so you can charge another device in a pinch.

Infinix has equipped the NOTE 30 with an impressive camera setup. The rear triple-camera system comprises a 108MP primary sensor, a 2MP depth sensor, and a 2MP macro lens. This configuration enables you to capture breathtaking photos with intricate detail and depth. On the front, the 32MP selfie camera delivers high-quality self-portraits and video calls. Thanks to various AI enhancements and camera features, you can unleash your creative side and capture memories like a professional photographer.

The Infinix NOTE 30 operates on Android 13, offering a user-friendly and customizable interface. Built on the Android platform, you have access to a vast library of apps through the Google Play Store. Infinix’s software optimizations guarantee a smooth and enjoyable user experience. Equipped with stereo dual speaker, jointly tuned by Infinix audio team and JBL professional team to give you professional speaker effect, and Hi-Res certified. Gives you a cinema-quality audio experience. The NOTE 30 supports 4G connectivity for fast internet speeds and provides dual SIM card support, making it a versatile choice for travelers and those in need of separate lines. Additionally, it features a fingerprint sensor for secure unlocking and facial recognition for added convenience.

The Infinix NOTE 30 is a remarkable addition to Infinix’s lineup, offering a compelling fusion of style, performance, and value. Whether you’re a casual user, a mobile gaming enthusiast, or a passionate photographer, this smartphone is engineered to meet your diverse needs. Infinix consistently challenges the boundaries of what smartphones can deliver, and the NOTE 30 exemplifies their dedication to innovation. With its captivating design, powerful performance, and remarkable camera capabilities, the NOTE 30 is poised to redefine the budget smartphone segment.

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Infinix NOTE 30 is undoubtedly a compelling choice. Prepare to experience the future of smartphone technology without straining your budget.

By Ashenafi Endae & Selamawit Mengesha

After over a year of negotiations, Ethiopia ramps up pressure on Toyota for a decision on a potential car plant while courting other manufacturers, as it seeks to build out an automotive industry.

Officials at the Ministry of Industry remain hopeful that Toyota will soon break ground on a highly anticipated car manufacturing plant, though requirements and deliberations have dragged on for over a year.

As delays in its final decision persist, the Ethiopian government is courting other major automakers.

State Minister Tarekegn Bululta in an interview with The Reporter stated that there are other international car makers bidding to enter Ethiopia. “We’ve told Toyota to come to Ethiopia as soon as possible. Unlike before, we have plenty of alternatives today.”

“There are a number of carmakers expressing interest but we are negotiating only with Toyota,” he said.

During negotiations in Tokyo last October, led by Industry Minister Melaku Allebel, Toyota outlined three major preconditions for investment.

Security concerns stemming from ongoing conflicts in northern Ethiopia at the time posed one of the biggest sticking points for Toyota, according to Tarekegn.

“When we traveled to japan to negotiate with Toyota, the Pretoria agreement was not signed and the northern Ethiopia conflict was ongoing. So they were concerned,” said Tarekegn.

With the Pretoria peace agreement now in effect, officials hope peace and stability will help accelerate Toyota’s entry.

The second major requirement Toyota outlined was assurances around procurement contracts from the Ethiopian government.

“They asked for a long-term agreement in place to purchase Toyota vehicles before committing to a factory here,” Tarekegn explained. “This will be considered from Ethiopia’s procurement perspective.”

Obtaining a stable foreign exchange supply was the third condition raised by the manufacturing giant. Both sides also discussed Ethiopia’s tax system, which Toyota viewed as relatively heavy.

Ethiopia’s embassy in Japan is now following up directly with Toyota executives to address these preconditions. The State Minister says the government’s decision to request Toyota open a factory partly stems from the market share it boasts.

To appeal to Toyota and other interested manufacturers, officials at the Ministry are drafting new policies and strategies, including an import substitution framework. A comprehensive automotive policy is also in the final stages of preparation.

Tilahun Abay, advisor to the Minister of Industry, stated that the finalized automotive policy only requires one last round of stakeholder consultations before submission to the Council of Ministers.

“This will include input from the international carmakers seriously considering Ethiopia as an investment destination,” he said.

The Ministry has engaged industry players on three occasions to refine the draft strategy. Support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also aided the preparation work, according to Tilahun.

Three institutions are now tasked with ushering the policy through the final stages. Alongside the Ministry of Industry, the Metal Industry Development Centre will leverage its sector expertise. The African Association of Automotive Manufacturers (AAAM) brings a cross-border perspective to bear. Teams from AAAM are scrutinizing Ethiopia’s tax competitiveness against peer nations in Africa.

Tilahun believes that the policy’s ratification “cannot be delayed any longer.”

“Delay will only diminish the appetite of car companies waiting in the wings,” warned Tilahun. “So I do not think the ratification will take time.”

However, Tarekegn clarified the automotive strategy cannot be ratified until the overarching industry policy receives approval first.

“The industry policy preparation is already finalized. Once the industry policy is approved, then strategies will be ratified for the subsectors, including the automotive subsector.”

All parties aim to present the ratified automotive policy to ministers by October 2023.

One key plank within the upcoming automotive strategy is a planned ban on importing used vehicles, which had crowded out room for local manufacturing to thrive.

There will also be customized incentive packages for automakers, according to location and other investments. Duty-free import of factory equipment and multi-year tax holidays ranging from three to 10 years are on offer.

Export incentives also aim to reduce input costs for manufacturers tapping overseas markets, as MOI calculates input-output coefficients.

During a recent interview with The Reporter, Martina Biene, managing director of South Africa-based Volkswagen, stressed the importance of workable export incentives in Ethiopia’s strategy.

With domestic new car demand still nascent, Volkswagen would need to ship vehicles to nearby East African countries. Annual consumption would need to surpass 100,000 units for projects of Volkswagen’s scale to prove feasible, according to Biene – still higher than Ethiopia’s present trajectory.

Tarekegn says the main issue for investors is the ratification of an automotive policy. He stated that several incentive packages have been included in the automotive strategy, including an incentive to encourage export of Ethiopian made cars, while the import substitution policy encourages local consumption.

“Ethiopia’s import volume is huge. So, until that is balanced with local production, the import substitution incentives will be in place”, according to Tarekegn, who says the first criteria is to attract international automakers since “There is no doubt Ethiopia has a sizable and growing consumer market.”

Toyota has expressed general approval of Ethiopia’s moves to curtail used vehicle imports. However, the automaker’s final commitment is still pending amid ongoing talks.

Other manufacturers from China, India and beyond are also courting Ethiopian officials, eager to make inroads, according to Tarekegn.

Volkswagen representatives visited recently as well. “They expressed interest in investing, but so far Toyota remains the only partner engaged in concrete negotiations,” Tarekegn noted.

The 2023 Uganda’s Act criminalizes homosexual acts and imposes harsh penalties including life imprisonment for repeat offenders. However, it has received widespread criticism from Western donors.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni signed a bill in May 2023 criminalizing same sex conduct, including potentially the death penalty for those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality,” into law.

Artistic outlets whether visual, audio or in written form, need inspiration. The Ethiopian art scene has countless female artists looking to make their mark in the industry. From photography to painting or writing and video and audio content creation, a variety of female creatives are making their mark now.

Amongst these woman artists is Lily Hailu, a talented painter and a mother of a three months old. Lily is actively involved in the art industry and continues to create works of art that were recognized after having been selected as one of the few female artists that will debut their work at the Alle fine art exhibition on March 5th to commemorate international women’s day. It is clear that the recognition is the result of her passion and talent.

“Working as a part of the Women’s Day celebration at Alle fine art gallery was a great experience to meet and see other female artists,” Liliy said about her time at the exhibition.

Lily commented on what it is like to be a woman working as an artist with a three-month-old, saying motherhood had definitely made it harder but passion defeats hardships.

Lily shared with The Reporter how making a living as an artist in Ethiopia has it’s though moments, where people trivialize their work.

“To make a decent living off of art alone is hard. That is why I have my own business on top of pursuing art as my passion and calling,” Lily said.

Lily describes the art industry for women as being an untapped field, even though more and more women are dipping their toes in the industry.

“I believe that we can only grow as artists, if we dare to explore different styles and strokes. Sticking to one style would only limit us. Expression takes on different shapes and being, so should we,” added Lily.

Other women involved in artistic fields that demand creativity on a constant basis to be recognized in that field. Fields like fashion are predominantly occupied by women yet the challenges designers and stylists face are countless.

Natanem Wondwosen, a fashion designer, continues to blaze a trail in the fashion industry.

The fashion designer explains how the industry had been welcoming to her.

“I have had a pleasant ride so far. I believe my womanhood has been positively impacting my work. Especially when compared to female designers that came before us, a better path has been laid out for us. I am eternally grateful for being able to put my passion into something tangible,” Natanem said.

Even in music, radios are flooded with eclectic voices of female artists that found their passion in telling their stories through music. Female musicians have had the ability to leave behind great legacies, with unforgettable tunes for generations to sing and dance to. For all the singers who have perfected their art through hard work and graft, there are also those new up and coming female artists.

Navigating their passion and resistance put on them by the society; these talented women aspire and inspire the next generation of creatives to build on what they have already built.

Womanhood and the experience of being a woman is more complicated than fulfilling a quota for these artists. They are striving to do their part in creating better opportunities and environment for artists of the next generation.

Lily Hailu says she is only getting started and that she has already booked international gigs that would allow her to showcase her art in a bigger manner. Lily believes her work can inspire more people into pursuing their passion and that women can be the future of art and have so much to offer when it comes to creativity.

It was a little strange, but hardly surprising, to learn from one of the Dutch researchers, Peter Peverelli, that he saw nothing untoward in Xinjiang. The region was “just lovely,” he said, “lovely people, breathtaking nature, great food. And no forced labor, no genocide, or whatever other lies the Western media might come up with.”

The Vrije Universiteit had to admit that something was not quite right. It now says it will not accept further Chinese funding for the center and will return the money it received last year. The CCHRC website was taken offline, leaving behind only a terse statement: “Human rights are preeminently the area where inclusiveness and diversity are important.”

That is one way of putting it. The Nazis were not very keen on inclusivity or diversity, either. But it is an unusual way to describe the Chinese government’s systematic persecution of an ethnic and religious minority.

This is not to say that people like Peverelli, who deny that such abuses are taking place, are necessarily corrupt. They may well think that whatever the Chinese government claims is true. Why, therefore, should they refuse to take Chinese money to confirm what they already believe about human rights in Xinjiang? The same thing might apply to some Western supporters of Russian President, Vladimir Putin, who receive Russian money and subsequently express their disgust with NATO.

Research can be expensive. Universities are often strapped for cash. And many countries, including China, are more than happy to help researchers portray them in a good light. The question is whether universities, or media outlets, should ever accept money from governments or other institutions that have a political interest in the returns on their generosity.

For example, the British literary magazine Encounter got into trouble in 1967 when revelations of the CIA’s indirect sponsorship of the publication led to the resignation of its editor, Stephen Spender. In the 1980s, when Japan’s increasing economic power was spooking many in the West, US universities that accepted Japanese corporate money were much criticized, even when they claimed there were no strings attached. At the same time, some critics of Japanese corporate power were being sponsored by European or American institutions.

There is nothing necessarily wrong with official or unofficial subsidies. But when there is a problem, it is usually for one of two reasons: reputational embellishment or political influence-peddling.

In the mid-1990s, Oxford University was riled by the “Flick affair.” Gert-Rudolf Flick, the perfectly respectable grandson of a prominent German industrialist, offered to sponsor a Flick Chair in European Thought. After a lot of hand-wringing, the university turned down the money, because the Flick Company had profited from concentration-camp slave labor during World War II, and Flick’s grandfather, Friedrich, had been convicted of war crimes.

One may well ask whether instituting a Rupert Murdoch Chair of Language and Communication at Oxford was any better. Murdoch is not a war criminal, but he is still a highly controversial media and political player. Then there is the case of Japan’s Ryoichi Sasakawa, whose Sasakawa Peace Foundation doles out large sums to many institutions, including Yale University. Sasakawa was a gangster and a fascist (and a suspected war criminal), but he is no longer a political player because he died in 1995.

Still, taking cash from someone seeking to buff their tainted reputation, though sleazy, is less dangerous to the intellectual integrity of universities or media than political propaganda. And this is where things get tricky.

Some governments are more respectable than others. French, German, or even (still) American democracy is preferable to the authoritarianism of Putin or Chinese President Xi Jinping. Clearly, the United States uses its “soft power” to further its own interests, too. But one difference is that, unlike in a dictatorship, propaganda is still a dirty word in a liberal democracy. It is a little easier to preserve a degree of independence in the context of American soft power (as was true of Encounter, which was an excellent magazine).

But maintaining even some independence is not always simple. US universities have received financing not only from Japanese companies, but also from the Japanese government, especially for Japan studies. MIT’s Richard J. Samuels, a distinguished political scientist, said about this: “Once you have an endowment, it’s arm’s length and the role of the donor ceases with the delivery of the gift.”

There is no reason to doubt Samuels’s word. The Japanese government is probably too sophisticated to exert direct pressure on the content of the scholarships and programs it sponsors, though some professors have told me in private that there could be worry of needlessly upsetting donors by supporting doctoral research on subjects that might seem provocative.

China, however, goes about things in a very different way. Criticism of Xi, especially but not only regarding human rights in Xinjiang or Tibet, is quickly punished. China slapped economic sanctions on Australia after the Australian government called for an independent inquiry into the origins of COVID-19. Similarly, Kenneth Roth, executive director of Human Rights Watch, was barred from entering Hong Kong because his organization had criticized China’s human-rights record. In short, what Peverelli, or anyone else, really thinks is irrelevant. Subsidies from China don’t come without a quid pro quo.

This may be true of many kinds of financial support. What matters is whether there are strings attached. Universities need cash. Media organizations have commercial imperatives. Governments have political priorities. Private donors, whether former criminals or not, have personal interests.

But academic independence cannot be guaranteed if financial donations come with expectations of intellectual conformity and political compliance. The Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam has realized this now. Better late than never.

(Ian Buruma is the author of numerous books, most recently, The Churchill Complex: The Curse of Being Special, From Winston and FDR to Trump and Brexit.)

Contributed by Ian Buruma

Was the current crisis in Ukraine caused by a lack of realism in US foreign policy? According to some analysts, the liberal desire to spread democracy is what drove NATO’s expansion up to Russia’s borders, causing Russian President Vladimir Putin to feel increasingly threatened. Viewed from this perspective, it is not surprising that he would respond by demanding a sphere of influence analogous to what the United States once claimed in Latin America with its Monroe Doctrine.

But there is a problem with this realist argument: NATO’s 2008 decision (heavily promoted by the George W. Bush administration) to invite Georgia and Ukraine eventually to join the Alliance can hardly be called liberal, nor was it driven by liberals. In making such arguments, realists point to the aftermath of World War I, when US President Woodrow Wilson’s liberalism contributed to a legalistic and idealist foreign policy that ultimately failed to prevent World War II.

Accordingly, in the 1940s, scholars such as Hans Morgenthau and diplomats like George Kennan warned Americans that they must henceforth base their foreign policy on realism. As Morgenthau explained in 1948, a “state has no right to let its moral disapprobation of the infringement of liberty get in the way of successful political action.” Or, in the more recent words of the University of Chicago political scientist, John Mearsheimer: “States operate in a self-help world in which the best way to survive is to be as powerful as possible, even if that requires pursuing ruthless policies. That is not a pretty story, but there is no better alternative if survival is a country’s paramount goal.”

In a famous historical example of this approach, Winston Churchill, in 1940, ordered an attack on French naval vessels, killing some 1,300 of Britain’s allies rather than letting the fleet fall into Hitler’s hands. Churchill also authorized the bombing of German civilian targets.

But while many observers justified these decisions when Britain’s survival was at stake, they condemned the February 1945 fire-bombing of Dresden, because victory in Europe was already assured at that point. Churchill could invoke the necessity of survival to justify overriding moral rules in the early days of the war, but he was wrong to continue to do so later, when survival was not in doubt.

In general, such dire straits are rare, and most leaders are eclectic in selecting the mental maps with which they navigate the world. Hence, when Donald Trump was asked to explain his mild reaction to the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, he said, “America First! The world is a very dangerous place!”

When realists describe the world as if moral choices do not exist, they are merely disguising their own choice. Survival may come first, but it is hardly the only value worth upholding. Most of international politics today is not about survival at all. The smart realist might not urge NATO to extend membership to Ukraine, but nor would he support abandoning that country altogether.

After all, a smart realist knows about different types of power. No President can lead at home or abroad without power; but power is about more than bombs, bullets, or resources. There are three ways to get others to do what you want: coercion (sticks), payment (carrots), and attraction (soft power). A full understanding of power encompasses all three aspects.

If others around the world associate a country with certain moral positions, that recognition confers soft power. But because soft power is slow-acting and rarely sufficient by itself, leaders will always be tempted to deploy the hard power of coercion or payment. They must bear in mind that, when wielded alone, hard power can involve higher costs than when it is combined with the soft power of attraction. The Roman Empire rested not only on its legions but also on the attractiveness of Roman culture.

In the Cold War’s early days, the Soviet Union enjoyed a good deal of soft power in Europe, because it had stood up to Hitler. But it squandered this goodwill when it used hard military power to suppress freedom movements in Hungary in 1956 and in Czechoslovakia in 1968. The US, by contrast, combined a military presence in Europe after WWII with aid to support European recovery under the Marshall Plan.

A country’s soft power rests on its culture, its values, and its policies (when they are seen by others as legitimate). In America’s case, soft power has often been reinforced by the narratives that US presidents use to explain their foreign policies. John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama, for example, framed their policies in ways that attracted support both at home and abroad, whereas Richard Nixon and Trump were less successful in winning over those outside the US.

In a world of sovereign states, realism in crafting foreign policy is unavoidable. But too many realists stop there, rather than acknowledging that cosmopolitanism and liberalism often have something important to contribute. Realism is thus a necessary but insufficient basis for foreign policy.

The question is one of degree. Since there is never perfect security, an administration must decide how much security will be assured before it incorporates other values such as freedom, identity, or rights into its foreign policy. Foreign-policy choices often pit values against practical or commercial interests, such as when the US decides to sell arms to authoritarian allies, or to condemn China for its human-rights record. When realists treat such trade-offs as similar to Churchill’s decision to attack the French fleet, they are simply ducking the hard moral questions. 

But President Joe Biden cannot ignore the issue. His diplomatic challenge today is to find a way to avoid war without abandoning Ukraine or the values that sustain America’s soft power and network of alliances.

(Joseph S. Nye, Jr. is an author and a professor at Harvard University)