By Eden Habtamu, Ezega News
Addis Ababa, July 29, 2009 -- These days, one of the last words many Ethiopian would like to hear is “Sorry, the subscriber that you have dialed is not in service area, please redial later”. And, of course, there is a second one from Ethiopian Telecom that is equally not pleasing: “Your account balance is low, please recharge soon”. By now, even the lady who recorded this message must be tired of hearing her own voice over and over again.
One of my instructors at Addis Ababa University (who taught us public relations) gave us examples of public relation officers who were working for different governmental and non-governmental organizations. He said, “let’s take the Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation as an example: why on earth would Tele have public relations program? It is known that Tele has no competitors; and whether we like it or not, we have no choice but to be a client. In such a monopolized market, the role of public relations becomes insignificant.” In other words, why spend extra money when all customers are yours – guaranteed?
Ethiopian telecommunication has multi-dimensional problems: from selling its services, to maintaining and repairing the endless problems faced by its clients every day.
In addition to its voice delivery services, ETC recently introduced data communication technologies such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). However, as always, it is lagging behind in providing good service to its customers. Most technologies arrive in the country very late. A recent example is GPRS, which is the data communication standard for previous generation of GSM networks.
When ETC launches a new service, the training that should be given to its staff (especially to the customer support personnel and sales agents) usually comes after its clients are used to the service, or never at all.
This was what I personally encountered when I tried to subscribe CDMA Internet access via the cellular network. Since I already have CDMA modem, what I needed from ETC was a SIM card and an instruction on how to use the service. So, I went to the nearby branch of ETC and waited for nearly two hours to talk to a guy who, I was told, was in charge of providing the CDMA card. After waiting that long inside an extremely suffocating environment (the branch office), it was my turn to take the card. However, the sales clerk simply told me that I was on the wrong line. Mind you, I stood there for nearly two hours because the coordinator guard told me to wait in that line.
Unbelievably, I had to wait on the other line again to get the "miracle card". This time, I was so thankful that I did not wait that long. After about 25 minutes, I reached the final and “right” place. The subscribing process was not that long. Within 3-4 minutes, I bought the SIM card and left the building with a high sprit that I will never come back to see the building again. I did not have any idea that I would be a regular customer to the office for weeks to come to understand their services.
To continue reading on this article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News page. You will also find at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 9, 2009
From Diaspora to Mega Business: The Story of Boston Partners
Ato Tadiwos Belete is the co-owner of Boston Day Spa, Kuriftu Resort and Spa (in Debre Zeit and Bahr Dar-Lake Tana), Boston Partners, Kuriftu Guest House, Hora Resort, and Burayu Resort with his Taiwan-American partner. He introduced a well-established and standardized sap at Boston’s Partners building five years ago. He and his business partner then brought Kuriftu Resort and Spa at Debre Zeit and Lake Tana from dream to reality. Hora and Burayu Resorts are not finished and operational yet.
Tadiwos was born in a small village called Lemo in Arisi, and he later came to Dessie with his uncle. In 1980, he left for Sudan and stayed there for three years. He spent a very hard time in Sudan, lacking basic necessities, including sufficient water and food. He later became a servant. He engaged himself in different fields and faced challenging time for three years. He finally found a sponsor who took him to Chicago. After a year in Chicago, he headed to Boston and lived there for 19 years. Tadiwos deeply believes in challenging himself to the fullest and in working closely with and improving the lives of his employees at any cost.
For the full article, please visit Ethiopian News page at Ezega.com. Also at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, and Ethiopian Real Estate.
Tadiwos was born in a small village called Lemo in Arisi, and he later came to Dessie with his uncle. In 1980, he left for Sudan and stayed there for three years. He spent a very hard time in Sudan, lacking basic necessities, including sufficient water and food. He later became a servant. He engaged himself in different fields and faced challenging time for three years. He finally found a sponsor who took him to Chicago. After a year in Chicago, he headed to Boston and lived there for 19 years. Tadiwos deeply believes in challenging himself to the fullest and in working closely with and improving the lives of his employees at any cost.
For the full article, please visit Ethiopian News page at Ezega.com. Also at Ezega.com: Ethiopian Music, Ethiopian Jobs, and Ethiopian Real Estate.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Africa’s Most Competitive Countries for Travel & Tourism – Top Ten Ranking for 2009
Ethiopia is ranked 22 among African countries and 123rd among the 133 world countries surveyed in this ranking. As shown in the chart, the country fared worse in Regulatory Framework, particularly in Health and Hygiene in which it scored zero. Ethiopia also scored very low in ICT and Tourism Infrastructure. These are technologies and services that allow tourists to travel inside the country easily and freely. The country can go a long way in boosting foreign income from travel and tourism by address these issues. This will mean, in part, having or enforcing laws for sanitation facilities at least in public establishments, and improving ICT infrastructure, including the internet, which is in a very deplorable situation in Ethiopia.
For the full article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real estate in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Music.
For the full article, please visit Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real estate in Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Music.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Technology Readiness in Africa – Ranking for 2008/2009
Addis Ababa, June 24, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- The survey shows how 31 African countries fared in a survey for Technology Readiness conducted by the World Economic Forum. 134 countries were surveyed globally, including 31 African countries. The Technology Readiness index takes into account the use of technologies that enable a country to compete in the world effectively, including the proliferation of mobile phones, internet, satellite communications, computers and other hardware, as well as the educational attainment level in the country. In this latest ranking for Technology Readiness (2008-2009) conducted by the World Economic Forum, Ethiopia ranks third from last globally (132/134), and second from last in Africa (30/31). Excluding income from natural resources, Technology Readiness is one of the key indicators for future earning potential (and hence living standard) of the citizens of any country. By that measure, Ethiopia is indeed in a very poor situation globally, as well as by African standards.
The full article can be found in Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia and Ethiopian Music
The full article can be found in Ezega Ethiopian News. Also at Ezega.com: Job Vacancy in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia and Ethiopian Music
Monday, April 13, 2009
Belachew Girma: World's King of Laughter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 11, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- When Belachew Girma walks into a room, you have no choice but laugh. When he laughs, it is infectious and impossible not to join him. To this fellow, laughter is no mere laughter, it is a serious business. Meet the world’s king of laughter, Belachew Girma of Ethiopia and the Guinness World Record holder for the longest non-stop laughter. At the 14th World Genius Impossibility Challenger Competition held last year, he broke world record and his own by laughing non-stop for 3 hours and 6 minutes.
Belachew Girma was born in Ethiopia in the Southern regional State of Kembata Alaba and Tembaro. He has been entertaining people locally and internationally since 2002G.C. He impressed many people with his talent and he is now in Guinness Book of World Records.
Sindu Alemu of Ezega News sat down with Belachew Girma recently at the Pan Roma Hotel and asked him about his skill, his work, and his life. Here follows the full interview with Belachew Girma.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Belachew Girma was born in Ethiopia in the Southern regional State of Kembata Alaba and Tembaro. He has been entertaining people locally and internationally since 2002G.C. He impressed many people with his talent and he is now in Guinness Book of World Records.
Sindu Alemu of Ezega News sat down with Belachew Girma recently at the Pan Roma Hotel and asked him about his skill, his work, and his life. Here follows the full interview with Belachew Girma.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Banja Woreda’s White Flag
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, April 7, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- Banja Woreda (District) is located in Awi zone of the Amhara region, 120km on the way from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa. We visited the place recently and observed the sanitation and hygiene condition in a trip organized by Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia Movement, non-governmental organizations that are engaged in Water, Sanitation, Hygiene, and related activities.
The climate of Banja Woreda is mainly “Dega” (cold, highland) and “Woynadega” (temperate). The population is a mixture of Amhara and Awi (Agew) people, with an estimated total population of 104,000. The woreda is very good for raising potatos (up to fifteen types), bamboo, and recently started growing apple fruit. Banja Woreda is one of the three pilot woredas that were selected for a health extension program charted by the regional health bureau.
Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia movement arranged this trip to Baja Woreda in relation to World Water Day (March 22). By all accounts, Banja Woreda has been very successful in meeting the goals set out by the health bureau on sanitation and hygiene. The panel discussion held afterwards in Bahir Dar applauded the success of Banja Woreda for achieving 100 percent sanitation coverage.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
The climate of Banja Woreda is mainly “Dega” (cold, highland) and “Woynadega” (temperate). The population is a mixture of Amhara and Awi (Agew) people, with an estimated total population of 104,000. The woreda is very good for raising potatos (up to fifteen types), bamboo, and recently started growing apple fruit. Banja Woreda is one of the three pilot woredas that were selected for a health extension program charted by the regional health bureau.
Water Aid Ethiopia and WASH Ethiopia movement arranged this trip to Baja Woreda in relation to World Water Day (March 22). By all accounts, Banja Woreda has been very successful in meeting the goals set out by the health bureau on sanitation and hygiene. The panel discussion held afterwards in Bahir Dar applauded the success of Banja Woreda for achieving 100 percent sanitation coverage.
For the full article, visit Ezega.com - Ethiopia's best portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Community and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Renaissance of Ethiopian Music
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, March 15, 2009 (Ezega.com) -- Ethiopia has a very rich music history. The 1950s and 60s produced some of the best musical talent as well as many great hits that are popular in the country even to this day. There are some who are afraid that the music of this era will soon fade away and be forgotten, giving way to music of the new generation. However, I just witnessed a group that is working hard for the renaissance of this music. They name themselves after their endeavor: “Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group”. I saw this group deliver a wonderful performance the other night at Club Alize located at the far end of Africa Avenue (Bole Road) near the airport.
Club Alize is located on the second floor and accommodates nearly 400 people. The interior of the club has a classic Far East decor and includes cozy couches on the right side of the club. The left part is mainly dominated by the bar counter. On Thursdays, there is extraordinary jazz music played here that everyone seems to enjoy. The founder and leader of the group, the Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group, is Girum Mezmur (guitar player and composer). Other group members include Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Dawit Ferew (Clarinet), Natnael Tessema (Drum), Shaleka Melaku Tegegn (Accordion), Mesale Legesse (Percussion), and Ayele Mamo (Mandolin). Shaleka Melaku and Ayele Mamo, musicians from the 1950s and 60s, give the group a unique image and stature.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group strives to improve itself by adding new arrangements frequently, a trait that seems to give the group a captivating character. On Thursdays, the club is packed with various types of people (old, young, locals, foreigners, couples, groups – you name it.) In fact, it is this quality to embrace and entertain all kinds of people that distinguishes this group from all others. This is a living proof that the same genre of music can, in fact, appeal to various age groups and to people from all walks of life.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group’s jazz night is a place that appealed to me for some time now. They play tasteful and classic music from the 1950s and 60s in a way that entertains even those who have no clue about the Ethiopian music of that era.
Girum, the founder and leader of this group, is only 34 years old. However, he has already left his mark as a lead guitarist and coordinator in many well-known bands and records in Addis Ababa. Propelled by formal education from Yared Music School, Girum went on to hone his skills by joining the Axumite Band and later the Coffee House Club. Girum has been performing at the Coffee House as a jazz band leader and guitarist, also introducing the concept of jam session where guest musicians in the house are welcomed and encouraged to join the house band to perform on the spot. His weekly performances there over the past decade have been known to have influenced the live jazz scene in Addis Ababa to date.
Girum has also composed and arranged music for many artists, films, radio programs, and documentaries. Currently, he is involved in several bands and has traveled to various parts of the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, and North-America, with major Ethiopian acts such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Awoke, Teddy Afro, etc. Girum has also performed with internationally known artists such as Ray Lema and Angelique Kidjo. He has also performed at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Montreal Jazz Festival,Ethiopian Music Festival III, IV, V, VII, and several others.
I interviewed Girum recently, who welcomed me with a warm smile for our early morning interview. He is a very polite and sincere person. We discussed his childhood, his music, how he founded the group, and much more. Here follows the full interview with Girum, the founder, band leader, producer and guitar player of Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group.
To read the full interview, click here.
Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Music, Ethiopian News, Ethiopian New, Ethiopia News, Addis Ethiopia, Ababa Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Club Alize is located on the second floor and accommodates nearly 400 people. The interior of the club has a classic Far East decor and includes cozy couches on the right side of the club. The left part is mainly dominated by the bar counter. On Thursdays, there is extraordinary jazz music played here that everyone seems to enjoy. The founder and leader of the group, the Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group, is Girum Mezmur (guitar player and composer). Other group members include Henock Temesgen (Double Bass), Dawit Ferew (Clarinet), Natnael Tessema (Drum), Shaleka Melaku Tegegn (Accordion), Mesale Legesse (Percussion), and Ayele Mamo (Mandolin). Shaleka Melaku and Ayele Mamo, musicians from the 1950s and 60s, give the group a unique image and stature.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group strives to improve itself by adding new arrangements frequently, a trait that seems to give the group a captivating character. On Thursdays, the club is packed with various types of people (old, young, locals, foreigners, couples, groups – you name it.) In fact, it is this quality to embrace and entertain all kinds of people that distinguishes this group from all others. This is a living proof that the same genre of music can, in fact, appeal to various age groups and to people from all walks of life.
Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group’s jazz night is a place that appealed to me for some time now. They play tasteful and classic music from the 1950s and 60s in a way that entertains even those who have no clue about the Ethiopian music of that era.
Girum, the founder and leader of this group, is only 34 years old. However, he has already left his mark as a lead guitarist and coordinator in many well-known bands and records in Addis Ababa. Propelled by formal education from Yared Music School, Girum went on to hone his skills by joining the Axumite Band and later the Coffee House Club. Girum has been performing at the Coffee House as a jazz band leader and guitarist, also introducing the concept of jam session where guest musicians in the house are welcomed and encouraged to join the house band to perform on the spot. His weekly performances there over the past decade have been known to have influenced the live jazz scene in Addis Ababa to date.
Girum has also composed and arranged music for many artists, films, radio programs, and documentaries. Currently, he is involved in several bands and has traveled to various parts of the world, including countries in Africa, Europe, and North-America, with major Ethiopian acts such as Mahmoud Ahmed, Aster Awoke, Teddy Afro, etc. Girum has also performed with internationally known artists such as Ray Lema and Angelique Kidjo. He has also performed at major international music festivals such as the WOMAD (World of Music, Arts and Dance), Montreal Jazz Festival,Ethiopian Music Festival III, IV, V, VII, and several others.
I interviewed Girum recently, who welcomed me with a warm smile for our early morning interview. He is a very polite and sincere person. We discussed his childhood, his music, how he founded the group, and much more. Here follows the full interview with Girum, the founder, band leader, producer and guitar player of Addis Acoustic Renaissance Group.
To read the full interview, click here.
Ethiopian Music, Ethiopia Music, Ethiopian News, Ethiopian New, Ethiopia News, Addis Ethiopia, Ababa Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Monday, February 9, 2009
Countries with the highest HIV infection in the world – Top 10
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 10, 2009 (Ezega.com) - Based on USAIDS data for 2007, the top 20 HIV-infected nations in the world are all found in Africa. And within Africa, the most HIV-ravaged region is Sub-Sahara Africa, orphaning nearly 12 million children aged 18 years and under. Swaziland tops the list with HIV infection rate of 26.1% among adults aged 15-49 years. That means one in four adults in Swaziland has the HIV virus. This has resulted in Swaziland having the lowest life expectancy rate in the world – just 40 years.
For the full article, please visit Ezega.com, the premier site for Ethiopian News, Job in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Classifieds, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
For the full article, please visit Ezega.com, the premier site for Ethiopian News, Job in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Classifieds, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
Ezega.com Interviews Miss Ethiopia 2009, Chuna Okok
The 2009 Miss Ethiopia beauty pageant was organized by the Ethiopian Village Adventure Playground and held on January 18, 2009, at the new Intercontinental Hotel in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. There were 20 finalists in the competition. Chuna Okok, a 22-year-old Addis Ababa University student, won the Miss Ethiopia contest, beating off the other 19 finalists. Unlike the other pageant contenders, Chuna Okok came from the Gambella region of Ethiopia and gave the competition a different and beautiful color.
This second year Business and Economics student at Addis Ababa University and the 2009 Miss Ethiopia winner, Chuna Okok, held an exclusive interview with Ezega.com reporter, Eden Habtamu, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Asked how she got into the pageant contest, Chuna replied it was a push from her best friends that led her to think about it. “They believed that I have all the inward and outward beauty. So, I gave it some time and I finally decided to participate in the competition” said Chuna.
According to Chuna Okok, her family in Gambella didn’t know about her competing in the Miss Ethiopia pageant until after she won the title. She said, she called her parents the day after to tell them that she won the Miss Ethiopia Pageant. But, by then, they had already heard about it minutes earlier from her cousin. According to Chuna, her father said “this must be God’s will and we shall accept it”. And her Mom was crying continuously. “She would have very much liked to see me on that stage. But she missed it.”, said Chuna.
Asked how she felt when she heard that she was the winner, Chuna said, “Wow! I was shocked, completely shocked, and I didn’t believe it until the next day.”
As Miss Ethiopia crown holder, Chuna indicated that she will do her best to promote Ethiopia and the harmony of the different nations and nationalities of Ethiopia, through the display of its culture, dressing, food, and way of living. She said she would also like to introduce Ethiopia’s rich natural and historical sites and heritage to the world.
Chuna was asked to explain what helped her win the Miss Ethiopia 2009 competition. She replied that her confidence took the first and major place. Next to that, she said, her different and black color played an enormous role.
On what constitutes beauty, Chuna said, “beauty for me is the cumulative outcome of internal and external beauty. One will not be complete without the other.”
For the full interview with Miss Ethiopia 2009, Chuna Okok, please visit Ezega.com, the premier site for Ethiopian News, Job in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Classifieds, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
This second year Business and Economics student at Addis Ababa University and the 2009 Miss Ethiopia winner, Chuna Okok, held an exclusive interview with Ezega.com reporter, Eden Habtamu, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Addis Ababa.
Asked how she got into the pageant contest, Chuna replied it was a push from her best friends that led her to think about it. “They believed that I have all the inward and outward beauty. So, I gave it some time and I finally decided to participate in the competition” said Chuna.
According to Chuna Okok, her family in Gambella didn’t know about her competing in the Miss Ethiopia pageant until after she won the title. She said, she called her parents the day after to tell them that she won the Miss Ethiopia Pageant. But, by then, they had already heard about it minutes earlier from her cousin. According to Chuna, her father said “this must be God’s will and we shall accept it”. And her Mom was crying continuously. “She would have very much liked to see me on that stage. But she missed it.”, said Chuna.
Asked how she felt when she heard that she was the winner, Chuna said, “Wow! I was shocked, completely shocked, and I didn’t believe it until the next day.”
As Miss Ethiopia crown holder, Chuna indicated that she will do her best to promote Ethiopia and the harmony of the different nations and nationalities of Ethiopia, through the display of its culture, dressing, food, and way of living. She said she would also like to introduce Ethiopia’s rich natural and historical sites and heritage to the world.
Chuna was asked to explain what helped her win the Miss Ethiopia 2009 competition. She replied that her confidence took the first and major place. Next to that, she said, her different and black color played an enormous role.
On what constitutes beauty, Chuna said, “beauty for me is the cumulative outcome of internal and external beauty. One will not be complete without the other.”
For the full interview with Miss Ethiopia 2009, Chuna Okok, please visit Ezega.com, the premier site for Ethiopian News, Job in Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Classifieds, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
Friday, February 6, 2009
New AU Chair, Muammar Gaddafi, addresses AU Commission staff in Addis Ababa
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, February 5, 2009 (Ezega.com)- The Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi, came to the African Union Commission to address the employees of the commission and urge them to work hard for the transition to the African Union Authority. Col. Gaddafi arrived at the meeting hall one hour late. The Chairperson of the AU Commission, Dr. Jean Ping, and other dignitaries accepted Col. Gaddafi at the gate of the commission. The Libyan leader signed Visitor’s book and had his photo taken with the leaders of the Commission.
According to our sources inside the AU, the entire theme of Gaddafi’s speech was to blame the west for all of the problems of Africa. He even went as far as justifying the piracy at the coast of Somalia as legitimate. The speech began by expressing the colonial era and its effects on Africa as the darkest time in African history. He said, despite our “freedom”, African countries still suffer from the “poison” planted by the west. He gave his country, Libya, as an example, and explained how the colonizers actually stole its resources.
To read the full article, please visit Ezega.com - the premier portal for Ethiopia News, Ethiopia Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopian Entertainment, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
According to our sources inside the AU, the entire theme of Gaddafi’s speech was to blame the west for all of the problems of Africa. He even went as far as justifying the piracy at the coast of Somalia as legitimate. The speech began by expressing the colonial era and its effects on Africa as the darkest time in African history. He said, despite our “freedom”, African countries still suffer from the “poison” planted by the west. He gave his country, Libya, as an example, and explained how the colonizers actually stole its resources.
To read the full article, please visit Ezega.com - the premier portal for Ethiopia News, Ethiopia Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopian Entertainment, and Ethiopian Social Networking.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Extended African Union Summit reaches no consensus on the “United States of Africa”
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 5, 2009 (Ezega.com) – The 12th Ordinary Africa Union summit of head of states and governments was held in Addis Ababa on February 1-4, 2009. The ordinary session focused on issues of peace, security and stability of the continent, infrastructure developments, the current global economic crisis, intercontinental conflicts, and the crises in Sudan, Somalia, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. It also elected a new chairperson. Further, it affirmed the transformation of the Africa Union Commission to the Africa Union Authority.
Though the summit delayed the push towards the formation of the United States of Africa on the opening day (February 1st), the debate continued on closed sessions, until Wednesday 3:00am in the morning (local time).
Internal sources from the African Union Commission told Ezega.com that the leaders carried on a fierce debate on the idea of Union Government for Africa. At some point, the rift over this idea overshadowed some of the official agenda focused on other topics, including infrastructure development.
To read the full article, please click here: Extended African Union Summit reaches no consensus on the “United States of Africa”
Ezega.com - The premier web portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopian Videos, Entertainment and Social Networking.
Though the summit delayed the push towards the formation of the United States of Africa on the opening day (February 1st), the debate continued on closed sessions, until Wednesday 3:00am in the morning (local time).
Internal sources from the African Union Commission told Ezega.com that the leaders carried on a fierce debate on the idea of Union Government for Africa. At some point, the rift over this idea overshadowed some of the official agenda focused on other topics, including infrastructure development.
To read the full article, please click here: Extended African Union Summit reaches no consensus on the “United States of Africa”
Ezega.com - The premier web portal for Ethiopian News, Ethiopian Jobs, Ethiopian Real Estate, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopian Videos, Entertainment and Social Networking.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ezega.com distributing high quality prepaid calling cards to its customers
Ezega.com, the premier web portal for Ethiopian News, Jobs, Real Estate, Classifieds, Entertainment and Social Networking, has begun distributing high quality electronic calling cards to Ethiopia to its customers. These phone cards can be used to call anywhere internationally, including all cities in Ethiopia and Africa. They are cheap, convenient and reliable, cards that will allow our customers to make affordable calls from the convenience of their homes easily. Customers can open an account with us and buy cards instantly. Calling card PINs are emailed to the customer immediately after purchase. Cards can be refilled just as easily by adding money into the account.
To meet the various needs of customers, Ezega Ethiopian phone cards are priced at $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Unlike other calling card companies, we do not charge processing fee for purchases less $20. All of our cards, from $5 to $100, are sold at face value without any extra processing charges. Our cards deliver minutes as stated with each card and do not come with many hidden charges and rip-offs so common in the industry. Rates start from as low as 19.6 cents per minute to Ethiopia, allowing you about 25 minutes of uninterrupted talk to Addis Ababa. Our cards come with rounding times of either 1 minute or 3 minutes, depending on your needs. All cards have toll-free access numbers that are good for calls from the USA and Canada. To purchase Ezega prepaid call calling cards, please visit our Ethiopia Prepaid Phone Cards store here.
Calling cards to Ethiopia, phone cards to Ethiopia, Phone cards to Africa, Phone cards to Eritrea, Ethiopian Calling cards, Calling cards to Addis Ababa, Phone cards to Addis Ababa, About Ethiopia, Ethiopian News, Ethiopia.
To meet the various needs of customers, Ezega Ethiopian phone cards are priced at $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100. Unlike other calling card companies, we do not charge processing fee for purchases less $20. All of our cards, from $5 to $100, are sold at face value without any extra processing charges. Our cards deliver minutes as stated with each card and do not come with many hidden charges and rip-offs so common in the industry. Rates start from as low as 19.6 cents per minute to Ethiopia, allowing you about 25 minutes of uninterrupted talk to Addis Ababa. Our cards come with rounding times of either 1 minute or 3 minutes, depending on your needs. All cards have toll-free access numbers that are good for calls from the USA and Canada. To purchase Ezega prepaid call calling cards, please visit our Ethiopia Prepaid Phone Cards store here.
Calling cards to Ethiopia, phone cards to Ethiopia, Phone cards to Africa, Phone cards to Eritrea, Ethiopian Calling cards, Calling cards to Addis Ababa, Phone cards to Addis Ababa, About Ethiopia, Ethiopian News, Ethiopia.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ethiopia's Hottest Jobs
Due to robust economic growth in Ethiopia during the last few years, workers in many sectors have been getting greater employment opportunities. Ezega.com has been monitoring vacancy ads in its database and found that some sectors did much better than others. Sectors that registered the most new jobs include high technology and engineering areas.
For more on this story, visit Ezega.com, the premier site for News about Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Social and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Full article posted here: Ethiopia's Hottest Jobs
For more on this story, visit Ezega.com, the premier site for News about Ethiopia, Real Estate in Ethiopia, Ethiopian Social and Ethiopian Classifieds.
Full article posted here: Ethiopia's Hottest Jobs
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
The Ethiopian Real Estate Market
As in many countries of the world, the Ethiopian real estate has been booming for much of this decade. In many areas, prices doubled and even tripled in a span of a few years. The highest appreciation in home prices occurred in the five-year period between 2003 and 2008.
Home prices vary widely from region to region. Even within the same city, there can be wide variation in home prices. Homes in upscale areas such as Bole in the capital are worth much more than homes found in outlaying areas. In Bole, a Four Bedroom, Two Bath home over 500 square meter plot of land can fetch 3 million ETB (or US$ 300,000).
The real estate brokerage business in Ethiopia is not as well developed as in other countries. Buyers and sellers rely on agents locally called “Delalas” for buying and selling homes. These are traditional agents with no formal education in real estate but who basically mediate between buyers and sellers. A great deal of negotiation is involved in buying homes. Asking prices can be as high as 50% more than the final sale prices.
Delalas play critical role in convincing both sellers and buyers to come to terms. Normally, Delalas do not help you in completing the legal paperwork needed to complete the transaction. This must be done by the buyer and seller themselves and may take several months. It is very important that buyers check the authenticity of seller documents. Otherwise, they can waste crucial time and/or money in such endeavor. People who are less skilled with the Ethiopian bureaucracy may seek the help of legal assistants locally called “Guday Asfetsami”.
Home mortgages are almost none existent in Ethiopia. Most real estate transactions are conducted on cash basis. This has limited the liquidity of homes but it may also have prevented the kind of real estate bubbles we witnessed elsewhere. Mortgage financing may be obtained for some homes, primarily for new homes built by developers. These companies negotiate financing terms with local banks in advance for all of their clients, current and future one. They basically arrange group deals for those who can put the required down payment. Down payments vary from 20 to 40%. Although most mortgages are for 10-20 years in duration, some companies arrange mortgages for as long as 30 years. Typically, interest rates are variable and depend on the prevailing interest rate fixed by the central bank.
It is estimated that there are about sixty local and six foreign real estate development operators in the country (with a registered investment capital of close to 1.6 billion Birr, or US$160 million). A major problem with homes built by these companies is the time it takes for completion. In the past, some of these homes were completed many years past their due dates. And some never made it to completion.
The real estate boom has slowed considerably over the past year or so. And the ones most affected by the slowdown are the real estate developers. The Ethiopian diaspora has been the main client of these companies, and most of these clients have been from the United States which is in severe economic downturn currently.
“Over 70% of our clients are from the diaspora, 50% of whom are living in the United States,” said Samuel Taffese, proprietor and managing director of Sunshine Real Estate Plc, which last year handed over 166 G+1 houses and 26 apartments to customers. “The real estate market has failed to secure new customers from the diaspora because of the financial crises.” Likewise, Ropack International Housing Project, a South Africa-based company engaged in real estate development in Ethiopia, is also unable to collect payments for some 360 residential houses it built over the last few years.
Who can buy homes in Ethiopia? Anyone can by homes in Ethiopia as long as he/she is an Ethiopian citizen, foreign national of Ethiopian origin, or has Ethiopian parents. To see the latest listing of residential and commercial properties for sale or rent, please visit Ezega's Ethiopia Real Estate site. This site is the largest real estate portal in Ethiopia and lists hundreds of homes for sale and/or rent at any given time. Anyone can register and post properties for sale or rent for free.
For more information and data about Ethiopia, please visit Ezega.com, the best site for Ethiopian News, Ethiopia employment, Ethiopian Homes, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopia Videos, and Ethiopia Entertainment.
Home prices vary widely from region to region. Even within the same city, there can be wide variation in home prices. Homes in upscale areas such as Bole in the capital are worth much more than homes found in outlaying areas. In Bole, a Four Bedroom, Two Bath home over 500 square meter plot of land can fetch 3 million ETB (or US$ 300,000).
The real estate brokerage business in Ethiopia is not as well developed as in other countries. Buyers and sellers rely on agents locally called “Delalas” for buying and selling homes. These are traditional agents with no formal education in real estate but who basically mediate between buyers and sellers. A great deal of negotiation is involved in buying homes. Asking prices can be as high as 50% more than the final sale prices.
Delalas play critical role in convincing both sellers and buyers to come to terms. Normally, Delalas do not help you in completing the legal paperwork needed to complete the transaction. This must be done by the buyer and seller themselves and may take several months. It is very important that buyers check the authenticity of seller documents. Otherwise, they can waste crucial time and/or money in such endeavor. People who are less skilled with the Ethiopian bureaucracy may seek the help of legal assistants locally called “Guday Asfetsami”.
Home mortgages are almost none existent in Ethiopia. Most real estate transactions are conducted on cash basis. This has limited the liquidity of homes but it may also have prevented the kind of real estate bubbles we witnessed elsewhere. Mortgage financing may be obtained for some homes, primarily for new homes built by developers. These companies negotiate financing terms with local banks in advance for all of their clients, current and future one. They basically arrange group deals for those who can put the required down payment. Down payments vary from 20 to 40%. Although most mortgages are for 10-20 years in duration, some companies arrange mortgages for as long as 30 years. Typically, interest rates are variable and depend on the prevailing interest rate fixed by the central bank.
It is estimated that there are about sixty local and six foreign real estate development operators in the country (with a registered investment capital of close to 1.6 billion Birr, or US$160 million). A major problem with homes built by these companies is the time it takes for completion. In the past, some of these homes were completed many years past their due dates. And some never made it to completion.
The real estate boom has slowed considerably over the past year or so. And the ones most affected by the slowdown are the real estate developers. The Ethiopian diaspora has been the main client of these companies, and most of these clients have been from the United States which is in severe economic downturn currently.
“Over 70% of our clients are from the diaspora, 50% of whom are living in the United States,” said Samuel Taffese, proprietor and managing director of Sunshine Real Estate Plc, which last year handed over 166 G+1 houses and 26 apartments to customers. “The real estate market has failed to secure new customers from the diaspora because of the financial crises.” Likewise, Ropack International Housing Project, a South Africa-based company engaged in real estate development in Ethiopia, is also unable to collect payments for some 360 residential houses it built over the last few years.
Who can buy homes in Ethiopia? Anyone can by homes in Ethiopia as long as he/she is an Ethiopian citizen, foreign national of Ethiopian origin, or has Ethiopian parents. To see the latest listing of residential and commercial properties for sale or rent, please visit Ezega's Ethiopia Real Estate site. This site is the largest real estate portal in Ethiopia and lists hundreds of homes for sale and/or rent at any given time. Anyone can register and post properties for sale or rent for free.
For more information and data about Ethiopia, please visit Ezega.com, the best site for Ethiopian News, Ethiopia employment, Ethiopian Homes, Ethiopian Classifieds, Ethiopia Videos, and Ethiopia Entertainment.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Ethiopia’s Real GDP growth
African countries have scored remarkable economic growth this decade. During this time, the growth for the continent as a whole has been more than 5%. This has led people to speculate that, finally, some fundamental change is taking place in Africa. "For the first time in almost 30 years, we've seen a large number of African countries that have begun to show sustained economic growth at rates that are similar to those in the rest of the developing world and actually today exceed the rate of growth in most of the advanced economies," writes John Page, World Bank's chief economist for Africa.
Ethiopia has also had its share of economic growth over this decade, particularly during the latter half, 2003-2008. The solid line in this chart shows the Real GDP growth for Ethiopia (i.e., GDP growth adjusted for price changes). For the five year period between 2003 and 2008, the Ethiopian economy grew between 5 and 12%.
Also shown in the chart is the GDP Per Capita for Ethiopia, as well as the average GDP Per Capita for East Africa and Africa as a whole. Adjusted for inflation, Ethiopia’s GDP Per Capita grew from US$120 in 2000/2001 to US$154 in 2008/2009. This is based on prices that prevailed in year 2000. Ethiopia’s GDP Per Capita for 2008 (in 2008 US$) is estimated to be about US$850 (although data varies depending on the source). This means much of the increase in Per Capita GDP has been due to inflation.
Finally, the data shows Ethiopia’s Per Capita GDP is still much lower than both the Per Capita GDP averages for East Africa and Africa as a whole – less than 50% the average for East Africa and less than 20% the average for Africa.
For more information on this and related articles, please visit Ezega.com - The premier site for Ethiopia news, Ethiopia jobs, Ethiopia real estate, Ethiopia classifieds, and Ethiopia videos.
Ethiopia has also had its share of economic growth over this decade, particularly during the latter half, 2003-2008. The solid line in this chart shows the Real GDP growth for Ethiopia (i.e., GDP growth adjusted for price changes). For the five year period between 2003 and 2008, the Ethiopian economy grew between 5 and 12%.
Also shown in the chart is the GDP Per Capita for Ethiopia, as well as the average GDP Per Capita for East Africa and Africa as a whole. Adjusted for inflation, Ethiopia’s GDP Per Capita grew from US$120 in 2000/2001 to US$154 in 2008/2009. This is based on prices that prevailed in year 2000. Ethiopia’s GDP Per Capita for 2008 (in 2008 US$) is estimated to be about US$850 (although data varies depending on the source). This means much of the increase in Per Capita GDP has been due to inflation.
Finally, the data shows Ethiopia’s Per Capita GDP is still much lower than both the Per Capita GDP averages for East Africa and Africa as a whole – less than 50% the average for East Africa and less than 20% the average for Africa.
For more information on this and related articles, please visit Ezega.com - The premier site for Ethiopia news, Ethiopia jobs, Ethiopia real estate, Ethiopia classifieds, and Ethiopia videos.
Saturday, January 3, 2009
The Ethiopian week in review at Ezega.com
The leading news this week was the re-arrest of Birtukan Mideksa, the leader of Unity for Democracy and Justice party. Birtukan faces life behind bars after a pardon she was granted last year was revoked. The government said her pardon was revoked after refusing to acknowledge that she had asked for the pardon that led to her freedom last year. The head of the party's parliamentary delegation, Temesgen Zewde, said the first step will be a legal challenge, since Birtukan's arrest appears to violate the terms of the pardon proclamation. Government spokesman Bereket rejected Temesgen's charge, describing the arrest as a technical matter with no political implications. The US government expressed concern over her arrest. "The United States is concerned about the government of Ethiopia's arrest of Unity for Democracy and Justice Party leader Birtukan Midekssa," said the US embassy information officer Darragh Paradiso. The arrest of Birtukan also caused much interest in the cyber world, with many sites providing discussions and extended coverage on this topic.
Another news headline that received much attention at Ezega.com was entitled “High profile corruption arrests continue”. According to the article, Federal Police apprehensions of prominent businesspeople and veteran bankers has the private sector wondering where the arrests will stop. This time, Almaz Moges, whom the court ordered to return to her former post as General Manager of Nile Insurance in the appeal process, and Abebaw Desta, major shareholder of Star Business Group who had been jailed in 2001 but acquitted for alleged corruption after more than five years, have been taken into custody. Miniwyelet Atnafu, another major shareholder of Star Business Group; Temesgen Mehari, a returnee businessman also previously charged with corruption; Worku Megra, General Manger of Star Business Group, and Tesfaye Fante are all wanted by police but still at large. Police alleged that the suspects were dealing in unlawful financial guarantee bonds issued by Nile Insurance SC worth over 40.7 million birr.
At Ezega Jobs, many new and interesting vacancies were posted. Vacancy ads that received the most attention were “Accountant” by Joy Tech Plc; “Program officer” by CORDAID; “ICT Training expert” and “Computer Technician” by Oromia Information Communication Technology Agency. For more information, please visit http://www.ezega.com/index.aspx .
At Ezega Real Estate, many interesting homes for sale and rent were posted. Most viewed posts were “Villa for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 1,973,485; “House for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 2,700,000; “G+1 House for sale in Nazret” for 435,000, “G+1 House for rent in Addis Ababa” for ETB 36,000; and “Villas for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 2,500,000. For more information, please visit http://www.ezega.com/RealEstate/Index.aspx .
Another news headline that received much attention at Ezega.com was entitled “High profile corruption arrests continue”. According to the article, Federal Police apprehensions of prominent businesspeople and veteran bankers has the private sector wondering where the arrests will stop. This time, Almaz Moges, whom the court ordered to return to her former post as General Manager of Nile Insurance in the appeal process, and Abebaw Desta, major shareholder of Star Business Group who had been jailed in 2001 but acquitted for alleged corruption after more than five years, have been taken into custody. Miniwyelet Atnafu, another major shareholder of Star Business Group; Temesgen Mehari, a returnee businessman also previously charged with corruption; Worku Megra, General Manger of Star Business Group, and Tesfaye Fante are all wanted by police but still at large. Police alleged that the suspects were dealing in unlawful financial guarantee bonds issued by Nile Insurance SC worth over 40.7 million birr.
At Ezega Jobs, many new and interesting vacancies were posted. Vacancy ads that received the most attention were “Accountant” by Joy Tech Plc; “Program officer” by CORDAID; “ICT Training expert” and “Computer Technician” by Oromia Information Communication Technology Agency. For more information, please visit http://www.ezega.com/index.aspx .
At Ezega Real Estate, many interesting homes for sale and rent were posted. Most viewed posts were “Villa for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 1,973,485; “House for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 2,700,000; “G+1 House for sale in Nazret” for 435,000, “G+1 House for rent in Addis Ababa” for ETB 36,000; and “Villas for sale in Addis Ababa” for ETB 2,500,000. For more information, please visit http://www.ezega.com/RealEstate/Index.aspx .
Thursday, January 1, 2009
GDP by sector: Ethiopia Vs Mauritius, Tunsia & South Africa
The Ethiopian economy by sector is compared with those of Mauritius, Tunisia and South Africa, some of Africa's best performing economies. The data shows, the Ethiopian economy is much more dependent on agriculture than the other three countries. Even by African standards, Ethiopia has way to go to modernize its economy.
For more details, visit this page: GDP by sector: Ethiopia Vs Mauritius, Tunsia & South Africa
For more details, visit this page: GDP by sector: Ethiopia Vs Mauritius, Tunsia & South Africa
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